How long does it take for a big toe fracture to heal. What are the symptoms of a broken toe. How can you manage pain and swelling from a toe fracture. What self-care measures should you take for a broken toe. When should you seek medical attention for a toe injury.

Understanding Big Toe Fractures: Causes and Types

Big toe fractures are common injuries that can occur due to various reasons, such as dropping a heavy object on the foot or stubbing the toe against a hard surface. While most broken toes can be treated at home, some cases require medical attention. It’s crucial to understand the different types of toe fractures and their severity to ensure proper treatment and recovery.

Common Causes of Big Toe Fractures

• Direct impact from falling objects
• Stubbing the toe against hard surfaces
• Sports-related injuries
• Accidents or falls

Types of Toe Fractures

Toe fractures can be categorized based on their severity and location:

1. Simple fractures: Clean breaks without displacement
2. Compound fractures: Breaks that pierce the skin
3. Comminuted fractures: Multiple bone fragments
4. Stress fractures: Tiny cracks in the bone due to repetitive force

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Broken Big Toe

Identifying the symptoms of a broken big toe is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. While some symptoms may be obvious, others might be less apparent. Here are the key signs to look out for:

• Pain: Sharp, intense pain at the site of injury
• Swelling: Noticeable increase in size around the affected area
• Bruising: Discoloration that can last up to two weeks
• Stiffness: Difficulty moving the toe
• Deformity: Visible misalignment of the toe

Are all toe fractures accompanied by visible deformities? Not necessarily. While severe fractures may cause the toe to appear crooked, minor fractures might not show any visible misalignment. However, pain and swelling are typically present in most cases of toe fractures.

The Healing Process: Timeline and Expectations

Understanding the healing timeline for a big toe fracture can help manage expectations and ensure proper care throughout the recovery process. The healing time can vary depending on the severity of the injury and individual factors.

Typical Healing Timeline

• Initial pain and swelling: 1-7 days
• Bruising: Up to 2 weeks
• Complete healing: 4-6 weeks for most fractures
• Severe injuries or those requiring surgery: 6-8 weeks or longer

Does the healing time differ for the big toe compared to other toes? Yes, the big toe may take longer to heal due to its size and the weight it bears. Additionally, injuries to the big toe often require more careful treatment and may involve casting or splinting, which can extend the healing process.

Immediate Care and Pain Management Strategies

Proper immediate care and pain management are essential for promoting healing and reducing discomfort following a big toe fracture. Here are some strategies to implement in the first few days after the injury:

The RICE Method

• Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain and keep the foot immobile when possible
• Ice: Apply ice for 20 minutes every hour for the first 24 hours, then 2-3 times daily
• Compression: Use buddy taping to stabilize the injured toe
• Elevation: Keep the foot raised to reduce swelling

Pain Management Options

Can over-the-counter medications effectively manage pain from a toe fracture? In many cases, yes. Here are some options:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Reduces pain and inflammation
• Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn): Another anti-inflammatory option
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Provides pain relief without anti-inflammatory effects

For severe pain, a healthcare provider may prescribe stronger pain medication. Always consult with a medical professional before taking any medication, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other drugs.

Self-Care Techniques for Optimal Healing

Proper self-care is crucial for promoting healing and preventing complications in cases of big toe fractures. Here are some essential techniques to implement during the recovery process:

Buddy Taping: A Key Support Method

Buddy taping is an effective technique for stabilizing the injured toe:

1. Clean and dry the affected toe and the adjacent toe
2. Place a small piece of cotton between the toes to prevent moisture buildup
3. Wrap medical tape around both toes, securing them together
4. Ensure the tape is snug but not too tight to avoid circulation issues
5. Change the cotton and retape daily or when the tape becomes loose or dirty

How long should you continue buddy taping? Generally, it’s recommended to keep the toes taped for 2-4 weeks or as advised by your healthcare provider.

Appropriate Footwear During Recovery

Choosing the right footwear is essential for protecting the injured toe and promoting healing:

• Stiff-bottomed shoes: These provide protection and accommodate swelling
• Open-toed sandals: Allow for bandaging and reduce pressure on the toe
• Avoid tight shoes or high heels until healing is complete

When can you return to regular shoes? Once the swelling has subsided and you can comfortably wear a stable, protective shoe without pain, you can gradually transition back to your normal footwear.

Gradual Return to Activity: Safe Progression Guidelines

Returning to normal activities after a big toe fracture should be a gradual process to prevent re-injury and ensure complete healing. Here’s a general guideline for safely increasing activity levels:

Walking and Daily Activities

1. Start with short, gentle walks around your home
2. Gradually increase walking distance and duration as comfort allows
3. Use supportive footwear during all walking activities
4. Listen to your body and stop if pain increases

Returning to Exercise

How soon can you resume exercise after a toe fracture? The timeline varies depending on the severity of the injury and individual healing rates. Generally:

• Low-impact activities (swimming, stationary cycling) can often be resumed after 2-3 weeks
• Weight-bearing exercises should be postponed until pain and swelling have resolved
• High-impact activities (running, jumping) may need to wait 6-8 weeks or longer

Always consult with your healthcare provider before returning to strenuous activities or sports. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific injury and recovery progress.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Red Flags and Complications

While many big toe fractures can be managed at home, certain situations require immediate medical attention. Being aware of these red flags can help prevent complications and ensure proper healing.

Signs That Warrant Medical Evaluation

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with home care
• Open wounds or compound fractures
• Significant deformity or misalignment of the toe
• Numbness or tingling in the toe
• Signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, or pus)
• Inability to bear weight on the affected foot after a few days

Do all big toe fractures require X-rays? Not necessarily, but X-rays may be recommended if there’s suspicion of a severe fracture or if home treatment isn’t providing relief. X-rays can help determine the extent of the injury and guide treatment decisions.

Potential Complications

While rare, complications can occur with big toe fractures. These may include:

• Chronic pain or stiffness
• Arthritis in the affected joint
• Nonunion (failure of the bone to heal properly)
• Malunion (bone heals in an incorrect position)

Prompt medical attention and proper care can significantly reduce the risk of these complications.

Long-Term Care and Prevention of Future Injuries

After recovering from a big toe fracture, it’s important to focus on long-term care and prevention strategies to avoid future injuries and maintain foot health.

Strengthening Exercises

Once healing is complete, incorporating toe and foot strengthening exercises can help improve stability and reduce the risk of future injuries. Some beneficial exercises include:

• Toe curls: Grab a towel with your toes and pull it towards you
• Marble pickup: Use your toes to pick up marbles and place them in a container
• Ankle rotations: Slowly rotate your ankle in circles to improve flexibility
• Calf raises: Stand on your toes and slowly lower back down

Preventive Measures

How can you reduce the risk of future toe fractures? Consider these preventive strategies:

• Wear properly fitting shoes with adequate toe space
• Use protective footwear in high-risk environments (construction sites, sports activities)
• Keep living spaces clear of clutter to prevent tripping
• Maintain good bone health through proper nutrition and exercise
• Be cautious when walking on uneven surfaces or in low-light conditions

By implementing these long-term care strategies and preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of future toe injuries and maintain overall foot health.

Broken toe – self-care Information | Mount Sinai

Fractured toe – self-care; Broken bone – toe – self-care; Fracture – toe – self-care; Fracture phalanx – toe

More About Your Injury

Broken toes are a common injury. The fracture is most often treated without surgery and can be taken care of at home.

Severe injuries include:

• Breaks that cause the toe to be crooked
• Breaks that cause an open wound
• Injuries that involve the big toe

If you have a severe injury, you should seek medical help.

Injuries that involve the big toe may need a cast or splint to heal. In rare cases, tiny pieces of bone can break off and keep the bone from healing properly. In this case, you may need surgery.

What to Expect

Symptoms of a broken toe include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising that can last up to 2 weeks
• Stiffness

If your toe is crooked after the injury, the bone may be out of place and may need to be straightened in order to heal properly. This may be done either with or without surgery.

Most broken toes will heal on their own with proper care at home. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for complete healing. Most pain and swelling will go away within a few days to a week.

If something was dropped on the toe, the area under the toenail can bruise. This will go away in time with nail growth. If there is substantial blood under the nail, it may be removed to reduce pain and potentially prevent the loss of the nail.

Symptom Relief

For the first few days after your injury:

• Rest. Stop doing any physical activity that causes pain, and keep your foot immobile whenever possible.
• For the first 24 hours, ice your toe for 20 minutes every hour you are awake, then 2 to 3 times a day. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
• Keep your foot raised to help keep swelling down.
• Take pain medicine if necessary.

For pain, you can use ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).

• If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or have had stomach ulcers or bleeding, talk with your health care provider.
• Do not give aspirin to children.

You may also take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) for pain relief. If you have liver disease, talk with your provider before using this medicine.

Do not take more than the amount recommended on the medicine bottle or by your provider.

Your provider may prescribe a stronger medicine if needed.

Self-care at Home

To take care of your injury at home:

• Buddy taping. Wrap tape around the injured toe and the toe next to it. This helps keep your toe stable. Place a small wad of cotton between your toes to prevent tissues from becoming too moist. Change the cotton daily.
• Footwear. It may be painful to wear a regular shoe. In this case, your doctor can provide a stiff-bottomed shoe. This will protect your toe and make room for swelling. Once swelling has gone down, wear a solid, stable shoe to protect your toe.

Activity

Slowly increase the amount of walking you do each day. You can return to normal activity once the swelling has gone down, and you can wear a stable and protective shoe.

There may be some soreness and stiffness when you walk. This will go away once the muscles in your toe begin to stretch and strengthen.

Ice your toe after activity if there is any pain.

More severe injuries that require casting, reduction, or surgery will take time to heal, possibly 6 to 8 weeks.

Follow-up

Follow up with your provider 1 to 2 weeks after your injury. If the injury is severe, your provider may want to see you more than once. X-rays may be taken.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your provider if you have any of the following:

• Sudden numbness or tingling
• A sudden increase in pain or swelling
• An open wound or bleeding
• Fever or chills
• Healing that is slower than expected
• Red streaks on the toe or foot
• Toes that appear more crooked or bent

Alkhamisi A. Toe fractures. In: Eiff MP, Hatch RL, Higgins MK, eds. Fracture Management for Primary Care and Emergency Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 16.

Rose NGW, Green TJ. Ankle and foot. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 49.

Last reviewed on: 4/16/2022

Reviewed by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Treatments, symptoms, pictures, and healing time

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Treatment for a broken toe typically involves a cast or tape to keep the toe straight and promote healing. Depending on the toe, it may take up to 7 weeks for the fracture to heal.

Although some people believe that they cannot do anything about a broken toe, this is not always the case. In fact, health professionals should evaluate most toe fractures. Untreated broken toes can lead to painful problems later.

Foot fractures are common, so it is a good idea to know the symptoms of a broken toe and when to contact a doctor.

Read on to learn how to recognize and treat a broken toe, the different types of fractures and breaks, healing times, and more.

In most cases, a podiatrist, orthopedic surgeon, or family doctor will diagnose a broken toe using a physical exam and an X-ray.

A doctor can often see a displaced fracture with a visual exam of the toe, but they may still recommend an X-ray to assess the damage and determine what treatment the individual needs.

By seeing a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and following instructions about caring for the toe, individuals may encourage the healing process. Treatments for a broken toe include:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE): The RICE method is useful for many types of injuries, including broken toes. It can decrease pain and help the toe heal faster. This may be all a person needs to treat a minor toe fracture.
• Buddy taping: This involves wrapping the toe and taping it to the adjacent toe to keep it supported and protected.
• A post-surgery shoe or boot: These devices have a stiff sole that allows a person to walk without bending the toe. It also helps keep some of the body’s weight off the sore toe.
• Bone setting: For more severe displaced fractures, a doctor may need to put the bones back in their proper place for healing. They would usually do so with numbing medicine to decrease pain.
• Surgery: Surgery may be necessary for more serious toe fractures. Surgeons may need to place a pin in the toe to align the bones and enable them to heal in the right place.
• Antibiotics or a tetanus shot: In some cases, doctors will suggest additional medications in order to prevent infection. This can happen when the skin becomes damaged during the bone break.

People can purchase a selection of ice packs and tape online.

It is important to note that a person should not use ice packs for more than 10 minutes at a time. They should never place them directly onto the skin, as this may cause frostbite.

People should also not wrap the tape around a toe in a circular fashion, as this may constrict the blood supply to the toe and cause permanent injury.

Standard treatment options

As one scientific paper explains, doctors have standard or default treatment options for toe fractures. These vary depending on whether or not the fracture is in the big toe. In all cases, the aim is for the individual to keep their toe as still and straight as possible to better the healing process.

Big toe fractures

Treatment for these fractures is in 2 stages. Doctors will first recommend either a walking boot or a cast, along with a toe plate, for around 2–3 weeks. They will then recommend a rigid-sole shoe for 3–4 weeks.

Fractures in a smaller toe

Doctors will recommend buddy taping and a rigid-sole shoe for 4–6 weeks.

The most common symptoms of broken toes are pain and difficulty walking.

The intensity of these symptoms may vary from person to person. Some people may be able to continue walking on the toe after a break, while others may find the pain debilitating.

Factors that can affect symptoms of a broken toe include:

• the severity of the break
• whether the broken bone has moved out of its proper location or become displaced
• how the bone broke
• where it is broken, including whether it is near a joint
• other medical conditions, such as gout or arthritis

There are a few ways a toe could break. These include stress fractures, falls, and dropping an object on the foot.

Because the symptoms vary so widely and breaks can be mild to severe, many individuals will struggle to tell the difference between a broken toe and another injury, such as a muscle sprain or a bad bruise.

The symptoms of each type of break are as follows:

Traumatic fractures

Painful and significant events, such as falling, stubbing the toe very hard, or dropping an object on the toe, can lead to broken toes. These types of breaks, known as traumatic fractures, are common in athletes.

Traumatic fractures can range from minor to severe. Sometimes, a person hears a “pop” or “crack” sound as the bone breaks, but this is not always the case.

The symptoms of a traumatic fracture will begin immediately after the event and may include:

• pain that does not go away with rest
• throbbing
• bruising
• swelling
• redness

Many traumatic fractures feature a visible bruise that is dark purple, gray, or black.

These symptoms can persist for several weeks if a person does not seek treatment.

Stress fractures

Stress fractures are usually small hairline breaks that occur after repeated stress on the bone. They are a type of overuse injury and often occur in the bones of the legs and feet.

Stress fractures may occur months or years after starting an activity, such as running, that puts stress on the bones.

As a 2021 review explains, stress fractures can occur when muscles in the toe become too weak to absorb impact. Without the support of the muscle, the toe bone becomes vulnerable to pressure and impact. Too much stress on the bone eventually causes it to crack.

Symptoms of a stress fracture in the toe include:

• pain that occurs after activities such as walking or running
• pain that goes away with rest
• soreness or tenderness when touched
• swelling without bruising

Displaced fractures

A displaced fracture means the broken bone has moved out of place. This may occur with more severe traumatic fractures.

As a recent article explains, a displaced fracture in the toe can cause the toe to appear crooked. In some cases, a displaced fracture may break the skin and result in the bone protruding out of a wound.

Healing times for broken toes will no doubt vary from person to person.

However, the average healing time for a big toe fracture will be around 5–7 weeks. For fractures in smaller toes, it will be around 4–6 weeks.

While it is possible for things to go wrong, research shows that only a small proportion of people with broken toes need a surgical follow-up.

Sprains differ from fractures in that the former affects muscles and ligaments.

A sprained toe arises when there is an injury to the muscles and ligaments in the toe. But although sprained toes and fractured toes are rather different, a recent review makes it clear that their symptoms can be similar.

Symptoms of sprained toes include:

• pain
• swelling
• difficulty walking

Sprained toes can take around 4–6 weeks to heal. As with broken toes, R.I.C.E and stiff-soled shoes are a mainstay of sprained toe therapy.

As a 2017 article explains, different kinds of toe fractures have some common complications:

• Sesamoid fracture: Sesamoids are small bones at the base of the big toe. Sesamoid fractures may have difficulty healing, causing long-term pain and negatively impacting athletic performance.
• Hallux fractures: Hallux fractures are fractures of the big toe proper. They can cause deformities of the foot and big toe. These fractures may also reduce a person’s range of motion in their big toe, leading to long term difficulties walking.
• Surgery: Surgical interventions to treat toe fractures may cause nerve damage and lead to infection.
• Cartilage injury: If a fracture enters into a joint, this can injure the cartilage and lead to deformity and traumatic osteoarthritis of the joint.

Injuries and accidents are not always avoidable, but the following steps may help minimize the risk of breaking a toe:

• Avoid wearing non-supportive shoes, such as flip-flops: Flip-flops offer little support to the foot, which can cause unnecessary strain on the muscles and bones. A person wearing such shoes may easily stub their toe. Additionally, these shoes offer no protection for the toes during a fall.
• Replace footwear when the soles begin to wear out: When shoe soles become worn and smooth, a person may fall or trip more easily. This could lead to a toe injury. Examining the bottom of shoes regularly to look for signs of wear may help.
• Exercise: A 2020 review found that regular exercise can reduce the risk of a fall in people aged 65 and over. Falls can cause injuries to the toes, including fractures.
• Manage diabetes: People with diabetes are at risk of neuropathy, which damages the nerves in the feet. This can lead to balance problems, more falls, and injuries to the feet that take longer to heal. Indeed, the National Health Service (NHS) notes that foot problems, in general, can be worse for people with diabetes.

Broken toes are often able to heal on their own. Nevertheless, it is best to contact a healthcare professional for the correct treatment to ensure the bone heals properly.

Proper medical care ensures that a minor break now does not lead to a significant issue later.

There are several different types of breaks a person may incur to the toes. Common causes of broken toes include trauma from sporting injures, stubbing the toes, and tripping and falling.

Treatment and healing time for a broken toe will vary depending on the cause and severity of the break.

Anyone who thinks they may have sprained or broken a toe should seek medical attention to ensure that the break heals properly and does not cause long lasting problems due to incorrectly healing.

causes, diagnosis and first aid

Contents

• 1 Finger fracture: causes, diagnosis and first aid
  • 1.1 Causes of a finger fracture
  • 1.2 Symptoms of a finger fracture
  • 1.3 How is a finger fracture diagnosed?
  • 1.4 How to administer first aid for a broken finger
    • 1.4.1 1. Immobilization
    • 1.4.2 2. Cool the injury
    • 1.4.3 3. Seek qualified medical attention
  • 1.5 How to fix a fracture?
  • 1.6 How is a finger fracture treated?
    • 1.6.1 Diagnosis of a broken finger
    • 1. 6.2 Plastering the finger
    • 1.6.3 Splints or bandages
    • 1.6.4 Surgery
    • treatment
  • 1.7 Are there any consequences after fracture?
  • 1.8 Risks of improper treatment of a broken finger
  • 1.9 How to avoid a broken finger?
  • 1.10 What to do if you suspect a fracture?
  • 1.11 How to quickly return to normal life after a fracture?
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 What are the symptoms of a broken finger?
      • 1.13.0.2 How is a finger fracture diagnosed?
      • 1.13.0.3 What causes a broken finger?
      • 1.13.0.4 How to give first aid for a broken finger?
      • 1.13.0.5 What can happen if a broken finger is not addressed?
      • 1.13.0.6 What are the treatments for a broken finger?

Article about finger fracture: causes, diagnosis, first aid. Learn how to correctly identify a fracture and provide the necessary assistance to the victim.

The fingers of our body perform many tasks: they help us hold objects, write, work on the computer. However, despite their overall strength, they are prone to injury and fracture. Minor injury can cause serious damage if not addressed in time. Therefore, it is important to know the causes of finger fractures, their symptoms and first aid in case of damage.

A finger fracture is a tear or attachment of the bones that make up that finger. Fractures are different: from small cracks to complete destruction of bones. Finger fractures often occur when a person falls or hits a hard surface. They can also be the result of sports activities such as playing football or baseball.

It is very important to determine the presence of a fracture immediately after the injury in order to start treatment on time. If successful, the injured finger may recover within two to three months. Otherwise, treatment can be delayed for several months or even years.

Finger fracture causes: injuries, falls, blows; people involved in football, baseball and other sports are especially susceptible to various injuries; also people who do needlework, work on a computer for a long time or have problems with bones and joints in their hands are susceptible to damage.

Finger fracture causes

Finger fracture can be caused by various factors. One of the most common causes is injury, which can occur when you hit or fall on your hand. Also, a fracture can occur with strong squeezing of the finger, for example, in the door.

Some people may also have an increased risk of fractures due to hereditary factors. For example, if there were cases of bone fractures in the family, then this may increase the risk of their occurrence in their offspring.

In addition, fractures can occur due to a number of medical conditions such as bone disease, metabolic disorders, infections, and other factors.

Symptoms of a broken finger

A broken finger can present with various symptoms that can cause severe discomfort to the patient:

• Pain: there is severe pain at the fracture site, which can be aggravated by moving the finger and by trying to squeeze the hand;
• Swelling: Swelling occurs at the site of a broken finger, which may last for a long time. The swelling may also spread to other parts of the hand;
• Bruising: bruising occurs at the fracture site immediately after injury, which may extend to the area of ​​the hand;
• Deformity: a fracture can lead to deformity of the finger, changing its shape and position. Often visible protrusions of the bone at the site of the fracture;
• Limited movement: the fracture may be accompanied by limited movement in the fingers and hand. The patient may have difficulty performing routine activities, such as taking off clothes or taking things in hand.

How is a finger fracture diagnosed?

If a finger fracture is suspected, contact a traumatologist. Before making a diagnosis, the doctor conducts an examination of the limb, revealing the presence of external skin lesions, swelling, and symptoms of pain.

Your doctor may also do additional tests and tests to look for other conditions that may accompany the fracture, such as arthritis, rheumatism, or osteoporosis.

After the diagnosis is made, the doctor prescribes appropriate treatment, which may include wearing a cast, massage, physical therapy, and other methods.

How to give first aid for a broken finger

1. Immobilization

At the first sign of a broken finger, immediately immobilize the injured finger to avoid further injury and calm the affected limb.

For immobilization, make:

1. bandage, fastening the injured finger to the adjacent one, tie one or both ends of the bandage with a narrow knot;
2. a strong dorsal sheet by putting it on the injured and adjacent finger.

2. Cool the injury

Cool the injury site to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Apply cold to the injured finger using:

• ice pack;
• plaster soaked in cold water;
• a cold object wrapped in a soft cloth.

3. Seek qualified medical attention

In the event of a broken finger, always seek medical attention. A qualified physician will assess the patient’s condition and perform further examination and treatment, if necessary, prescribe a course of therapy and rehabilitation.

Things NOT to do with a broken finger Incorrect actions Potential consequences

How to fix fracture?

In order to properly fix a finger fracture, you must first determine its type and severity. If the fracture is open or is accompanied by heavy bleeding, then before fixing, it is necessary to stop the bleeding and anesthetize the patient.

Bandages are applied so that the fracture is closed and does not move. Tires are convenient when you need to fix your finger in a certain position. Adhesive plasters can be used to fix fractures in the bones of smaller fingers.

An important point in fixing a fracture is the correct fixation of the joints located next to the fracture. This helps to speed up the healing process and minimize the risk of consequences. If you have any doubts about the correctness of the applied fixation, you should consult a doctor for advice.

How is a finger fracture treated?

Finger Fracture Diagnosis

It is important to correctly diagnose a finger fracture before starting treatment. To do this, an X-ray examination is performed, which will help determine the exact location of the damage.

Finger Cast

If doctors determine that the finger is broken, the next step is to put the injured finger in a cast. The cast holds the finger in place so it can heal.

Use of splints or bandages

Other special devices, such as splints and bandages, may be used to treat a broken finger. They help reduce stress on the injured finger and speed up the healing process.

Surgery

In some cases, the treatment of a broken finger may require surgery. Surgery occurs with severe damage to the finger with a violation of bone tissue, after which a plaster is applied.

Rehabilitation after treatment

A finger fracture requires a fairly long recovery period. Therefore, after treatment, it is necessary to carry out rehabilitation measures, such as massage, exercise and periodic monitoring by a doctor.

Are there consequences after a fracture?

A finger fracture is a serious injury with a number of possible complications and consequences.

It is important to note that in order to reduce the likelihood of consequences after a fracture, it is necessary to consult a doctor correctly and in a timely manner, undergo the recommended treatment and perform rehabilitation exercises to restore finger function.

Risks of improper treatment of broken fingers

Healing delay. If a finger fracture has not been properly fixed and treatment has been inadequate, the healing process may take much longer than with proper treatment. This can lead to additional problems such as pain, limited range of motion in the fingers, and an increased chance of re-fracture.

Finger deformity. Incorrect treatment of a finger fracture can lead to finger deformity. If the bones in the finger do not align properly during healing, the finger may retain an unnatural shape, which may limit participation in daily activities.

Violation of functionality. Incorrect treatment of a broken finger can lead to impaired finger function. Limiting finger movement can affect everyday tasks like typing on a keyboard, signing documents, and even just doing morning exercises.

Re-fracture. If a finger fracture has not fully healed, a second fracture can occur even with the slightest injury. It can be even more serious if the first fracture was incorrectly fixed and treated.

Complications. Incorrect treatment of a broken finger can lead to serious complications such as infection, hemorrhage, and circulatory problems, which can be very dangerous and require urgent medical attention.

How to avoid breaking a finger?

Proper prophylaxis will help prevent finger fractures. It is important to pay attention to the following points:

• Keep your hands warm . Cold hands are more vulnerable to injury.
• Be active . Regular physical activity strengthens the bones and muscles of the hands.
• Avoid dangerous activities . Do not make any hasty movements that could cause injury.
• Use protection . Wear gloves when working where there is a risk of injury to fingers.
• Watch out for shoes . Certain types of shoes, especially those with high heels, can increase the chance of falls and injury.

By following these precautions correctly, you can protect your hands from injury and prevent finger fracture.

What to do if you suspect a fracture?

A broken finger can cause pain and limit movement in the hand or arm. If you suspect that you have a fracture, you need to take some measures and contact your doctor immediately.

The first step in a suspected fracture is to stop any further activity of the finger or hand. Don’t try to keep up with the work you are doing. If you continue to move the injured finger, you may worsen the injury and increase pain.

If possible, apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Wrap the ice in a soft cloth before applying to the skin to avoid frostbite on the skin.

It is important to remember that self-diagnosis and treatment of a broken finger is not possible without the help of a doctor. Don’t put off seeing a specialist if you suspect a broken toe. Lack of treatment can lead to complications and permanently impair finger function.

How to quickly return to normal life after a fracture?

After a broken finger, follow the doctor’s recommendations and do the recommended exercises to quickly restore hand function. It is important to remember that the finger, clamped in plaster, should be floated in the water and, if possible, given a few minutes of freedom a day.

Try to strengthen the muscles of the fingers, if possible, use special balls for stretching and exercises. Remember that immediately after removing the cast of the hand, the finger may be weak and insecure for some time. Therefore, it is important to be patient and gradually increase the load.

In addition, if a hand or finger is broken, a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D should be followed to speed healing. The use of special creams and massages can also help speed up recovery.

• Follow your doctor’s instructions and do all the necessary exercises.
• Strengthening the muscles of the fingers and hand will help speed recovery.
• Eat a diet high in calcium and vitamin D.
• Use creams and massage to heal quickly.

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Q&A:

What are the symptoms of a broken finger?

The main symptom is acute pain at the site of injury, swelling of the finger, its deformity and limitation of movement.

How is a finger fracture diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms as well as x-ray findings. With the help of x-rays, you can determine the presence of a fracture, its nature and degree of complexity.

What causes a broken finger?

Finger fractures can occur due to various injuries: impacts, falling heavy objects, repeated microtraumas. Also, a fracture can be the result of a disease such as osteoporosis.

How to give first aid for a broken finger?

The first step is to stop the bleeding by applying a sterile dressing to the wound. Then it is necessary to assess the immobilization of the injured limb and, if necessary, apply an adhesive plaster or other protective bandage.

What can happen if you don’t pay attention to a broken finger?

If treated incorrectly or left untreated, complications such as synovitis (inflammation of the joint capsule) or arthritis (inflammation of the joints) may develop. In some cases, surgical assistance may be necessary.

What are the treatments for a broken finger?

Treatment for a broken finger may include a cast, band-aid, or other protective dressing, usually for 4 to 6 weeks. In more serious cases, surgery may be required. It is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations and undergo regular follow-up examinations.

Recovery after toe surgery

Recovery after toe surgeryLaura Laura2021-01-03T18:59:53+00:00

Result of the surgery

After surgery on the toe, it usually takes 2-3 months to heal. Conclusions about the success of the operation can be made after 6-12 months, before this period, inconvenience, swelling and slight pain may occur in the operated leg.

Incapacity for work

The period of incapacity for work depends on the operation performed and the profession of the patient: for an office worker it lasts from 6 to 8 weeks, for those engaged in physical labor – 4 weeks more.

Pain

The operated foot begins to ache on the evening of the day of surgery, because by this time the effect of the drug used to anaesthetize the foot wears off. Pain can be relieved by pills that your doctor will give you prescriptions before you leave the hospital. Pain will also be reduced by applying a cold bag to the operated foot for 20 minutes 4-5 times a day. Severe pain in the leg goes away in 2-3 days.
Sometimes severe pain persists in the first days after surgery despite pain medication. The reason for this may be too tight bandage of the swollen foot. Cut the bandage with scissors from the outside of the foot (at the fifth toe), do not remove the bandage from the leg and tie it with a non-sterile bandage. Before releasing the leg from the bandage, be sure to notify your doctor.

Video: releasing the leg from the bandage

Edema

Edema usually begins to decrease 4 months after the operation, it can persist for up to a year. To reduce swelling of the foot and the resulting pain, the most important thing is to keep the operated leg above the body during the first three days after the operation. Spend this time mostly lying on your back, resting your foot on three pillows stacked on top of each other. Medications will not relieve swelling that has already occurred. If you cannot sleep with your leg higher than your body, then sleep in a position that is comfortable for you. Good sleep is more important than a raised leg. Sitting on a couch or chair, for two weeks after surgery, put your foot in front of you on a chair. Foot edema can be treated after 4 weeks from the operation, also with lymphotropic therapy and contrast baths.

Contrast bath instructions

Walking

The patient leaves the hospital on crutches. Crutches are used for 2 weeks. For the first three days after the operation, you cannot lean on the operated leg, it is recommended to lie down as much as possible and keep the operated leg above the level of the body (for example, on three pillows placed on top of each other), you can walk only in case of emergency. Within 2 weeks after the operation, you need to walk as little as possible, and in a sitting position, you need to lift the operated leg (put it on a chair). Usually, after the operation, it is allowed to walk in special shoes that transfer the load from the operated area to the heel.

Special shoes are worn only for walking for 6-8 weeks depending on the operation, shoes are removed during rest and sleep. You can travel by public transport and drive a car, depending on the procedure, after 6-8 weeks after the operation. At the end of the period of use of special shoes, you can try cycling and swimming. Nordic walking, running, jumping and skiing are allowed after normal walking is restored approximately 16-24 weeks after surgery. When playing sports, the foot can be loaded until pain occurs. Regular shoes can be worn 6-8 weeks after surgery. Until the swelling of the foot subsides and the operated area stops hurting, it is recommended to wear soft shoes slightly larger than usual. The ability to wear shoes that the patient likes may appear only 3-4 months after the operation.

Wound healing

Some bleeding after surgery is normal. The bandage with a small amount of blood does not need to be changed, because the blood is sterile and does not interfere with healing. The bandage is not recommended to be removed until 48 hours after the operation, because. this promotes inflammation in the wound. Bandage with a small amount of blood bandage yourself with non-sterile gauze pads or a bandage. If the bandage is heavily bloody or simply heavily soiled, contact a competent healthcare professional as soon as possible and ask for a replacement. In case of expected healing of wounds, dressings of the legs are carried out once every seven days. The stitches are removed 17-21 days after the operation. With normal wound healing, surgical scars on the toes become barely noticeable. Contractubex gel may be used for up to three months after suture removal to avoid excessive scar tissue. If you have problems with wound healing, consult your doctor before washing your foot. Signs of complete healing of the wound: the edges of the wound have grown together, there is no discharge from the wound and the crusts have moved away.

Position of the toes

After the operation, it is very important to keep the toes in the correct position, this will help the soft tissues surrounding the bones to heal beneficially and thereby maintain the normal shape of the toes.

After operations, the big toe must be kept in the correct position for the first 6 weeks after the operation around the clock with an interdigital separator or with a bandage. In case of immobilization of the big toe, its position does not need to be maintained.

Thin metal wires are inserted into the operated 2-5th toe to maintain position. The tip of the needles should be covered with a bandage around the clock to prevent inflammation. The needles are removed in the clinic, the procedure causes inconvenience rather than pain. After removal of the wires, the operated 2-5th toe is supported by an adhesive plaster for 4 weeks, straight and bent down, this is called taping.

Video: finger separator

Instructions for dressing

Instructions for taping

Therapeutic exercises

To maintain muscle tone in the legs, immediately after the operation, exercises for flexion and extension of the knee and ankle joint are started. In the first postoperative weeks, the maximum immobility of the toes is maintained.

Finger exercises begin 4 weeks after surgery. Gymnastics of the fingers will ensure their sufficient mobility after the operation.

Perform gymnastics only on the operated toes, 10 minutes, 2 times a day, until you start walking in ordinary shoes.