What are the risks of an improperly healed broken toe. How can you identify if your toe fracture isn’t healing correctly. What treatment options are available for poorly healed toe fractures. Why is professional medical care crucial for broken toes.

Understanding Broken Toes: More Than Just a Minor Injury

Broken toes are often dismissed as minor injuries that will heal on their own. However, this common misconception can lead to serious long-term consequences. While it’s true that toe fractures can sometimes heal without intervention, seeking professional medical care is crucial for ensuring proper healing and avoiding complications.

Why is professional evaluation important for broken toes? A trained podiatrist can accurately assess the extent of the injury, determine the best course of treatment, and monitor the healing process. This approach significantly reduces the risk of improper healing and associated complications.

Recognizing the Signs of an Improperly Healed Toe Fracture

How can you tell if your broken toe isn’t healing correctly? Several symptoms may indicate a problem with the healing process:

• Persistent or worsening pain in the affected toe
• Ongoing redness or warmth in the toe
• Unexplained fever or fatigue
• Continuous or worsening bruising and swelling
• Changes in skin color (blue or grey)

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications from developing.

The Risks of Neglecting Proper Toe Fracture Care

What are the potential consequences of allowing a broken toe to heal improperly? The risks are more significant than many people realize:

1. Limited toe mobility
2. Chronic discomfort while wearing shoes
3. Altered gait or walking pattern
4. Secondary issues in the ankle, knee, and back
5. Necessity for corrective surgery
6. Development of hematomas
7. Chronic arthritis
8. Bone infections
9. Permanent nerve damage

These complications can have a profound impact on your daily life and overall health. By seeking proper medical care early on, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing these issues.

The Importance of Professional Care for Broken Toes

Why should you consult a podiatrist for a broken toe? Professional medical evaluation offers several key benefits:

• Accurate diagnosis of the fracture type and severity
• Appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific injury
• Monitoring of the healing process to ensure proper bone alignment
• Early detection and management of potential complications
• Guidance on safe activities and proper footwear during recovery

By entrusting your care to a skilled podiatrist, you’re taking a proactive step in protecting your long-term foot health and overall well-being.

Treatment Options for Improperly Healed Toe Fractures

What can be done if your broken toe hasn’t healed correctly? The treatment approach will depend on the specific nature of the injury and the extent of improper healing. Some potential interventions include:

• Corrective taping or splinting
• Physical therapy to improve mobility and strength
• Custom orthotics to address gait issues
• Pain management techniques
• In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary

Your podiatrist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at restoring function and alleviating discomfort.

Preventive Measures and Self-Care for Broken Toes

While professional care is crucial, there are steps you can take at home to support the healing process and prevent complications:

1. Rest and elevate the affected foot
2. Apply ice to reduce swelling
3. Wear supportive, comfortable shoes
4. Follow your podiatrist’s instructions for buddy taping (if recommended)
5. Avoid putting excessive weight on the injured toe
6. Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed

Remember, these self-care measures should complement, not replace, professional medical care.

The Role of Footwear in Toe Fracture Recovery

How does your choice of footwear impact the healing of a broken toe? Proper shoe selection is crucial during the recovery process:

• Choose shoes with a wide, deep toe box to accommodate swelling
• Opt for supportive shoes that limit toe movement
• Avoid high heels and shoes that put pressure on the injured toe
• Consider specialized post-operative or healing shoes if recommended by your podiatrist

Wearing appropriate footwear can significantly contribute to proper healing and reduce the risk of re-injury or complications.

Understanding the Healing Timeline for Toe Fractures

How long does it typically take for a broken toe to heal? The healing process can vary depending on several factors:

• The severity of the fracture
• Which toe is affected (big toes often take longer to heal)
• Your overall health and age
• Adherence to treatment recommendations

In general, minor toe fractures may heal within 4-6 weeks, while more severe injuries can take 8-12 weeks or longer. It’s important to follow your podiatrist’s guidance throughout the healing process to ensure optimal recovery.

The Impact of Nutrition on Toe Fracture Healing

Can your diet influence how quickly and effectively your broken toe heals? Absolutely. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in bone healing:

• Calcium and vitamin D for bone strength
• Protein for tissue repair
• Vitamin C for collagen production
• Zinc for immune function and healing

Consult with your healthcare provider about dietary recommendations or supplements that may support your recovery.

When Surgery Becomes Necessary for Toe Fractures

In what cases might surgery be required for a broken toe? While most toe fractures can be treated non-surgically, certain situations may necessitate surgical intervention:

• Compound fractures with skin penetration
• Severely displaced fractures
• Fractures involving the joint
• Cases where conservative treatment has failed

Your podiatrist will thoroughly evaluate your condition to determine if surgery is the best course of action.

The Psychological Impact of Chronic Toe Pain

How can ongoing pain from an improperly healed toe fracture affect your mental health? Chronic pain can have significant psychological consequences:

• Increased stress and anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Reduced quality of life

It’s important to address both the physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain. Your healthcare provider can offer resources and support to help you cope with these challenges.

Rehabilitation Techniques for Toe Fracture Recovery

What rehabilitation methods can help restore function after a toe fracture? As your toe heals, various exercises and techniques can aid in recovery:

• Gentle range of motion exercises
• Toe strengthening exercises
• Balance and proprioception training
• Gait retraining

Your podiatrist or physical therapist can guide you through an appropriate rehabilitation program tailored to your specific needs and recovery stage.

The Connection Between Toe Fractures and Osteoporosis

Is there a link between toe fractures and underlying bone health issues? In some cases, especially for older adults, a toe fracture may be an indicator of reduced bone density or osteoporosis. If you experience a toe fracture without significant trauma, it may be worth discussing bone density testing with your healthcare provider.

Innovative Treatments for Chronic Toe Pain

What cutting-edge treatments are available for persistent pain from improperly healed toe fractures? Medical advancements have led to several innovative approaches:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Low-level laser therapy
• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
• Regenerative medicine techniques

While these treatments may not be suitable for everyone, they offer additional options for managing chronic pain and promoting healing in some cases.

The Role of Biomechanics in Toe Fracture Prevention and Recovery

How do your foot mechanics influence the risk of toe fractures and the recovery process? Understanding your unique foot structure and gait pattern is crucial:

• High arches or flat feet can affect weight distribution
• Overpronation or supination may increase stress on certain toes
• Muscular imbalances can lead to compensatory movements

A comprehensive biomechanical assessment by a podiatrist can identify potential risk factors and guide preventive strategies or recovery plans.

The Importance of Patient Education in Toe Fracture Care

Why is patient education crucial in the management of toe fractures? Empowering patients with knowledge leads to better outcomes:

• Understanding the nature of the injury
• Recognizing signs of complications
• Adhering to treatment recommendations
• Making informed decisions about activities and footwear

Open communication with your healthcare provider and actively participating in your care plan can significantly impact your recovery journey.

Long-Term Foot Health After a Toe Fracture

How can you maintain optimal foot health following a toe fracture? Adopting good foot care practices is essential:

• Regular self-examinations
• Proper nail care
• Wearing appropriate, well-fitting shoes
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Staying active with low-impact exercises

By prioritizing your foot health, you can reduce the risk of future injuries and maintain overall well-being.

Understanding the complexities of toe fractures and their potential long-term impacts is crucial for anyone who has experienced this type of injury. By seeking prompt professional care, following treatment recommendations, and adopting proactive foot health practices, you can significantly improve your chances of a full recovery and prevent future complications. Remember, your feet are the foundation of your mobility and independence – giving them the care and attention they deserve is an investment in your overall quality of life.

What Happens If a Broken Toe Doesn’t Heal Properly

When we think of broken bones in our feet, a toe fracture is frequently the issue that comes to mind. Almost everyone has stubbed their toes or had something dropped on their toes (even while wearing shoes), and the result is often a serious toe injury. However, many people think that broken toes heal on their own and there is no need to see a doctor or a podiatrist when you suffer from an injured toe.

Although a toe fracture heals on its own in ways that other bones in the body cannot, it is still wise to have a trained medical professional examine the injured toe and determine the extent of the injury. A severe fracture can have serious consequences on your life if it is left to heal improperly. When a toe is broken, the pain and swelling will be similar to a fracture in any other body part.

Having an experienced podiatrist in Saratoga Springs, UT, check out the broken toe and provide medical care will be the surest way to know that your foot will not be negatively affected by the injury. If the injury worsens, the pain will become unbearable, so you must have any broken bone looked at and given the right treatment.

At Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute in Saratoga Springs, UT, our expert podiatrists will examine the big toe through the little toe and ensure that your broken toe symptoms will not worsen or lead to life-long issues in your feet. If you let your toe fracture heal properly, you will not have to worry about developing arthritis or other serious complications.

Symptoms of a Fractured Toe that Has Not Properly Healed

You will know if your broken toe has not healed properly or thoroughly. Even a minor or small fracture that has not healed right can cause serious problems in the future. Some of the symptoms of a broken toe that has not been able to heal completely include:

• Continuing or worsening pain in the toe
• Redness or warmth in the toe
• Fever
• Aches
• Fatigue
• Continuous or worsening bruising and swelling
• The skin color on the toe changes to blue or grey

If you have noticed any or all of these symptoms of a broken toe that has not healed correctly, contact our experienced podiatrists at Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute to schedule an appointment for a medical evaluation for your broken toes.

How to Correct Broken Toes that Are Not Healing Properly

Broken toes are usually healed within a few weeks, and patients report little side-effects from the healing process. This is especially true if they had their broken toe examined by a medical professional. However, if you are beginning to notice that the pain in your broken toe is not subsiding unless you use pain medication or that the swelling remains the same, you are likely to need medical assistance.

You should be especially concerned if the broken toe is your big toe. Whether it is a simple toe fracture or an open or compound fracture in the big toe, improper healing in that toe can lead to serious complications when it comes to your ability to walk and balance correctly. The best way to correct a broken toe is to schedule an appointment with an experienced podiatrist.

You may be able to make a few corrections at home after seeing your podiatrist avoid problems or possibly even a deformity from the injured toes. At-home remedies can also provide you with severe pain relief. Your podiatrist may recommend investing in sturdy and supportive shoes, keeping your foot raised while seated, avoiding putting weight on it unless necessary, using pain medications if the pain is severe, and buddy taping to encourage healing.

Risks Associated with an Improperly Healed Toe Fracture

While it is true that a broken toe is usually not a life-threatening issue, improper healing can have life-long consequences down the line. The dangers of an improperly healed toe include:

• Limited mobility in the toe
• Discomfort while wearing shoes
• Altered gait or walking
• Ankle, knee, and back problems
• Surgery to correct the poor healing
• Hematomas
• Chronic arthritis
• Bone infections
• Permanent nerve damage

Broken toes are not usually counted on the list of severe injuries. Still, even a stress fracture in the toe can cause serious issues with the rest of your body and limit your abilities in your daily life. These risks can be avoided if you seek medical evaluation as soon as possible following a very bad fracture. It is important to contact our podiatrists at Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute to examine your toes and ensure proper treatment.

Contact Our Experienced Podiatrists in Saratoga Springs for Your Broken Bone

Because a fracture involves breaking part of a bone, there is always the risk of the bone not coming back together in the right way. If you or a family member has sustained a toe injury (even simple fractures), contact the experienced and skilled medical professionals at Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute for an examination and diagnosis. A broken toe that does not heal right can have severe complications for you in the future, and a simple call to our podiatrists at Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute can ensure you avoid those complications.

Contact our podiatric team today to learn more about fractures in the big toe, pinky toe, or middle toes. We can help you determine the severity of the injury and the best course of treatment for your situation.

Call us at 801-756-4200 to schedule your appointment. Remember, waiting can be why you develop more medical concerns, such as osteoarthritis in your toes later in life. Our medical help can prevent that!

Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers: Podiatrists

It may not be life-threatening, but injuring a toe can be a big pain! If you stubbed or bumped your toe and think it may be broken, it’s hard to know when to seek help and when to wait it out at home. 

As part of our comprehensive line of podiatric services, the board-certified podiatrists at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers help patients in Arlington and Mansfield, Texas, recover from foot, toe, and ankle injuries. 

We also want our patients to understand the signs and symptoms of a broken toe — including when it’s time to seek professional help. Keep reading to learn what you need to know!     

Understanding broken toes

A broken, or fractured, is a common foot injury that rarely requires emergency care. That doesn’t mean a broken toe is a walk in the park! 

Toes can break like any other bone in your body, as the result of impact, such as when a heavy item lands on your toe or stubbing or bumping it hard. Because of their small size and placement on the periphery of your body, it’s easy to injure these little bones — especially the little toe. 

Most of the time, broken toes heal on their own without much need for medical intervention. Pain medication, including anti-inflammatory medicines, and immobilization of the toe are the usual treatments, though severe breaks may require additional therapies.

Even though most broken toes aren’t emergencies, If you suspect a fractured toe, it’s important to see your podiatrist at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers. Some breaks can cause nerve damage and other complications down the line if not properly treated. 

Signs your toe is broken 

You may not know right away whether your toe is broken. Sprained, strained, stubbed, and bruised toes can be quite painful. If you heard a snap or breaking sound at the time of injury, however, that’s a good sign your toe is broken. 

Other signs of a broken toe include:

• Throbbing pain
• Bruised or discolored skin
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Toe appears crooked or mangled
• Inability to move your toe
• Swelling in the toe 

Your provider at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers completes a full assessment, typically with an X-ray, to verify the break and evaluate the severity. 

When to be concerned

Most of the time, broken toes don’t lead to long-term complications or additional health problems. An untreated broken toe or one that resists healing, however, can cause trouble for you and your health. 

One key issue is infection. If the skin of your toe was cut or punctured at the time of the break, you have an increased risk of developing an infection. People with certain underlying medical conditions, like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other immune system conditions, are also at higher risk of infection. 

If you notice any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment right away as they may indicate a bone infection:

• Toe is red and warm
• Fever
• Aches and fatigue
• Pain that doesn’t get better

Bone infection isn’t the only cause for concern when it comes to broken toes. For example, any time you injure your big toe, it’s important to schedule an evaluation with your provider at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers to ensure your toe heals properly.

Other reasons to be concerned about a broken toe include:

• Having a medical condition that slows healing (e.g., peripheral artery disease; congestive heart failure; diabetes) 
• The pain gets worse instead of better over time
• The bruising and or swelling don’t improve
• You have an open wound at the time of the break
• You broke multiple toes
• The skin on the toe changes color to blue or gray

Broken toes that don’t heal properly increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis or permanent nerve damage down the line. The right treatment with a foot and toe expert helps ensure your broken toe heals the right way so you can resume your normal activities without worrying about complications. 

If you think you have a broken toe, contact the experts at the Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers office nearest you for an evaluation. Correct diagnosis and treatment can save you trouble with your toes in the future!

Signs of an Infected Ingrown Toenail 

Redness, swelling, irritation — ingrown toenails are always a pain. So how can you tell when one is infected and it’s time to seek medical treatment? Keep reading to learn what you need to know. 

How to Prevent Ankle Injury Complications

There are no two ways about it — an injured ankle is a real pain! Unfortunately, an ankle injury can become a chronic problem if not properly cared for. Keep reading to learn how you can prevent complications after an ankle injury.

Telltale Signs of Morton’s Neuroma

Struggling with toe pain? Experiencing tingling or numbness in the balls of your feet? Morton’s neuroma could be to blame. Keep reading to learn more about this common condition and the telltale signs it causes.

Understanding the Healing Process After an Ankle Fracture

Suffering an ankle fracture can mean weeks — even months — of recovery. Here’s a closer look at the healing process after this injury so you better understand what to expect and when to call your provider.

5 Painful Conditions that Custom Orthotics Help Treat

Custom orthotics are made from high-quality materials to support your unique feet and any issues. Here’s a close look at how these specialized shoe inserts can help treat five painful foot conditions.

How Does Tendonitis Affect Your Feet?

If you’re struggling with foot pain, tendonitis or inflammation of the tendons could be the reason. Keep reading to learn how this condition affects your feet and the ways we can help put an end to your pain.

Broken finger | Fractures of the nail phalanges, little fingers, displacement of fragments

Finger fracture is a common injury. As a rule, it happens with direct trauma. In rare cases, it is formed due to indirect effects. Most often, people get a fracture in a domestic, industrial or sports injury.

Quite often, patients break their fingers while working with woodworking machines or performing other professional duties. Sometimes multiple fractures occur, which are combined with dislocations, damage to ligaments and tendons. Traumatologists treat finger fractures.

Anatomy of the hand

The human hand is quite complex. It consists of 30-32 bones of different shapes and works with the help of muscle tissue and tendons, which are arranged in layers. The complex organization of the hand makes it possible to make movements around all three axes.

Fingers are topographically related to the hand, therefore they greatly increase its functional load. The human skeleton can only move in one plane. The range of motion will not exceed 180 degrees. Thanks to the articulation with the hand, the fingers can make not only adducting, but also retracting movements.

Causes of injury

Most often, finger fractures are caused by people who are constantly involved in sports. As a rule, injuries occur in gymnasts, boxers, basketball and volleyball players. Fighters can’t always be saved by gloves during a fight. Quite often, a finger fracture occurs in young children and older people who suffer from osteoporosis.

Employees who work in production receive injuries. However, most people injure their fingers at home. A fracture is a fairly severe injury that requires constant care. Do not self-medicate, as this can end badly and have long-term health consequences. A severe injury requires surgical treatment. The recovery period for such fractures is quite long.

Pathoanatomy

In humans, there are about 14 bones of the phalanges of the fingers in the upper limb. Fingers 2 through 5 have three phalanges: proximal, middle, and distal. The first finger has only two phalanges, which are called proximal and distal. The fingers make various subtle and intricately coordinated movements. This can lead to the fact that any injury can adversely affect the work of the hand and lead to a strong decrease in working capacity.

If a person does not seek help when a finger is broken, or if the fracture is treated incorrectly, he will face serious problems. There may be a decrease in hand grip function. Quite often, after improper treatment of a broken finger, pain remains even with minor loads on the hand.

There are also 14 phalanges of fingers in the lower limb of a person – three phalanges at the second to fifth fingers and two phalanges at the first finger. If a person damages the nail and middle phalanx, he can heal the injury without any problems. In the future, there will be no violation of the function of the foot. When a fracture of the main phalanges occurs, serious consequences can be faced. For example, improper fusion will lead to constant pain when walking or running.

Fracture classification

There are many different types of finger fractures. It happens that one phalanx is injured. Sometimes there are multiple fractures of several fingers at once. It is easy enough to determine a fracture, but only a doctor should do this.

Types of fractures:

1. Open and closed. It is hard enough to understand that a person has a closed fracture of the finger, without the help of a doctor. An open fracture is easy to see, as it is almost always accompanied by bleeding. When an open fracture occurs, there is a violation of the integrity of the bone and skin. Closed fractures are not only complete, but also incomplete with cracks.
2. With or without offset. It is very difficult to treat displaced fractures, as the bone is highly fragmented and has a large number of different fragments. According to certain signs, it can be understood that a person has a fracture with a displacement. For example, there is a shortening of the deformed area of ​​the finger. A person cannot move his fingers and experiences severe pain.
3. Marginal fracture. Such damage can be obtained in various ways. With a fracture of the little fingers, a partial or complete destruction of the phalanx occurs. Such an injury can occur due to a strong blow, a heavy object falling on the arm or leg. Quite often, patients receive a marginal fracture due to various pathologies. For example, an injury may occur against the background of a disease that causes brittle bones. Marginal fractures are major, nail, medium and combined.
4. Broken index finger. If a person has broken his index finger, he should immediately consult a doctor. The doctor will be able to quickly put the dislocated bone in place. If a person has a dislocation, a specialist will be able to put a cast or splint on the damaged area. The doctor will definitely prescribe medications to reduce pain. Most often, a fracture of the index finger is not dangerous if you immediately seek help from a doctor.
5. Fracture of the thumb on the hand. Such an injury often occurs due to a strong blow. During treatment, some difficulties may occur due to the special arrangement of the bones. A broken finger should be corrected by a doctor. For this, various devices that have a tensile effect will be used. When the injured finger stretches, the doctor will apply a cast. The plaster bandage will allow the finger to take a certain position. The bones will be immobilized until the treatment is complete.

Do not self-medicate as this can lead to serious problems. It is best to consult a doctor immediately so that he can make the correct diagnosis. The traumatologist will refer the patient for an x-ray. This will allow the specialist to understand whether there is a fracture of the finger or not.

Symptoms of a finger fracture

The very first and main symptom of a finger fracture is a sharp, unbearable pain. The intensity of the pain syndrome will depend on the severity of the injury. After the pain, there is severe swelling or bruising. This reaction is natural when a person is injured.

Other symptoms of a broken finger:

• sharp and severe pain that begins to increase with movement;
• the finger turns blue and gradually swells due to the fact that there is an internal hemorrhage;
• the damaged area is deformed;
• finger can be shortened;
• strange mobility of the phalanx, which was not there before the injury;
• fails to fully clench the hand into a fist or fully unclench the hand;
• a hematoma forms under the nails, which leads to severe pain;
• when you move your finger, an uncharacteristic crunch appears.

If a person has an open fracture of a finger, he will experience pain shock and bleeding. Do not try to set the bone yourself, as this can lead to serious consequences. This should only be done by an experienced traumatologist or surgeon in a hospital.

First aid for a broken finger

First aid must be provided to the victim if a finger fracture is suspected. All activities must be properly done to alleviate the patient’s condition. It will be necessary to remove the pain syndrome, immobilize the limb and overcome complications.

When do you need to call an ambulance?

Most people think that it is not necessary to call an ambulance for a broken finger and see a doctor. Unfortunately, people are wrong. It is imperative to call an ambulance for many reasons. For example, the pain of a broken finger can be so severe that it doesn’t even compare to a toothache.

Pain causes a state of shock, which is manifested by a sharp drop in blood pressure. In some cases, blood pressure may drop to zero. In order to remove the pain, the ambulance team has various drugs.

Quite often, a fracture can be accompanied by a severe deformity of the finger. There may be scratches or abrasions on the skin. The ambulance doctor will be able not only to clean and wash the wound, but also to apply a product to immobilize the fracture.

Fragments of a broken bone may puncture a digital artery or vein. Then there is heavy bleeding, which is not so easy to stop. Experienced paramedics will be able to apply a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. Without experience, it is quite difficult to stop heavy bleeding, so it is better to call the doctors right away.

How to hold a hand in case of a fracture?

It is impossible to say in what position the hand should be held when a finger is broken. The most important thing is to ensure the immobility of the limb and the broken joint. The hand should be relaxed. If a person does not change the position of the finger, the pain syndrome will remain at an average level.

You can use a kerchief bandage or an impromptu splint. This is done in order to reduce the mobility of the upper limb. It is advisable to ensure that your fingers do not touch different surfaces. You can pull the shoulder and forearm to the body with a special bandage. This will help to immobilize the upper limb and secure the injured finger.

Do I need to take pain medication?

Pain syndrome can lead to the development of inflammation in damaged tissues. The inflammatory process can increase pain. It is recommended to take painkillers or anti-inflammatory medicines immediately after injury. You will need to take one tablet at a time and wait for the medicine to take effect. Do not use too many drugs, otherwise an overdose may occur, which is life-threatening.

Should immobilization be carried out?

Immobilization is recommended to temporarily immobilize the limb. This will help prevent increased pain and complications. Transport immobilization is done, since during transportation there is a high risk of secondary damage to a broken finger.

You will need to fix the arm in the position where the person will feel the least pain. It should relax the muscles of the hand, then the pain syndrome should become less intense. In order to reduce the risk of re-injury, it is recommended to immobilize the entire upper limb and press it against the trunk.

Should ice be applied to an injured finger?

People always use cold to reduce tissue temperature. You can safely combine ice with medicines. You need to break pieces of ice and put in a waterproof bag or heating pad. Cold can quickly anesthetize the fracture site. It will become much easier for a person, as the pain will begin to go away. It should be remembered that very low temperatures can lead to frostbite. In order to avoid this, it is necessary to remove the bag from the injured finger every 5-8 minutes for several minutes.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis must be carried out by a traumatologist. When a person injures a hand, an X-ray of the fingers is taken. The picture is taken in two projections, and adjacent joints are necessarily captured. In order to understand the nature of the damage to the leg, x-rays of the toes can be taken.

Treatment of a broken finger

Doctors treat broken fingers in a variety of ways. It all depends on the complexity of the damage and associated complications. Doctors always use the following traditional methods of treating a broken finger: one-stage closed reduction, skeletal traction techniques, open reduction.

Complications of self-treatment of finger fractures

Finger fractures should only be treated by a doctor. If you self-treat, this can lead to various complications. Some consequences can cause a person much more problems than the fracture itself.

There are the most common complications:

• large callus;
• occurrence of a false joint;
• appearance of contracture;
• ankylosis formation;
• osteomyelitis;
• malunion of bones.

It is not recommended to self-treat fractures if you do not want to face the above problems. If your finger is injured, you should visit the emergency room or call an ambulance.

Rehabilitation, prognosis and prevention

The duration of rehabilitation will depend only on the complexity and type of finger fracture. In a child and adolescent, the injury will heal much faster than in an elderly person. If bone fragments of an open fracture with displacement were fixed, recovery will take from three to four weeks. With multi-comminuted fractures, the rehabilitation period will increase by another 14 days.

Prevention should be to avoid injury. Ordinary fractures are fixed with a plaster cast for 2-3 weeks. Ability to work can be restored within 30 days. If unstable damage occurs, immobilization is carried out for 21 days. Recovery in this case will take 4-7 weeks.

When a ligament or tendon rupture occurs, the recovery period will be quite long. You will have to develop the tendons of the hand within 14 days. Full recovery time after surgery is 6-8 weeks. Some people have to have ligaments or tendons sutured.

What does recovery and rehabilitation include:

1. Diet. You will have to eat foods that contain a lot of protein and calcium.
2. Physiotherapeutic procedures.
3. Massage.
4. Gymnastics. It is recommended to do it in the last week of wearing a cast.
5. Squeezing a piece of plasticine with your fingers.

The healing process of a fracture depends on many factors. Treatment must be carried out by an experienced doctor. The patient is obliged to follow all his recommendations, otherwise it will not be possible to quickly recover from the fracture.

Q&A

Do I need a cast?

Doctors always apply a cast when a person has a broken finger. Reliable immobilization of the injury localization site is mandatory.

How long should a cast be worn?

For simple fractures, the cast should be worn for 3-4 weeks. For complex open multi-comminuted fractures, a plaster cast is applied for 6 weeks.

What physiotherapy is indicated after a finger fracture?

Be sure to do warm soda and salt baths from the day the cast is removed. You will have to attend exercise therapy, application of ozocerite, mechanotherapy.

Bruise, first aid for bruises

What is a bruise

Contusion (lat. contusio) is a closed mechanical injury to soft tissues or organs, in which their integrity, as well as the integrity of the bone, is not violated. Depending on the severity of the injury, only the skin, subcutaneous capillaries and sensitive nerve endings can be injured during a bruise, less often muscles and internal organs. A characteristic manifestation of a bruise is a bruise, or a hematoma at the site of injury, which, however, is not dangerous and does not require special treatment. With a serious injury to the brain, spine, liver, lungs, kidneys or other internal organs, a hematoma forms inside and can lead to serious complications.

In a simple way, a bruise is a minor injury, which is unpleasant and painful to receive, but it rarely leads to serious health consequences.

The most vulnerable places for bruises are the skin, subcutaneous capillaries and blood vessels. Due to their damage, edema and hematoma (bruise) appear when bruised.

Severe bruising can lead to organ damage and even internal bleeding.

Causes of bruises

The main cause of bruising is hitting a hard surface.

Common causes of bruises are hitting a door frame, non-compliance with safety rules when playing sports, falling down stairs. Often bruises occur in a car accident or a fight.

Causeless bruising of the skin that appears without injury or bruising may be the result of certain medications and supplements (for example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), as well as a symptom of vitamin deficiency (A, C, E, K) or diabetes mellitus;

Comprehensive laboratory tests help to identify these pathologies.

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If bruising occurs frequently for no apparent reason and does not go away for a long time, you should seek the advice of a general practitioner.

Classification of bruises: types and degrees of severity

Contusions vary by location of the injury :

• arm injury,
• legs,
• spine,
• heads etc.

Bruises are also distinguished by severity .

First degree contusion : Minor injury that mainly affects the skin. Virtually painless, not accompanied by edema and hematoma.
It usually goes away on its own in 5-7 days. An example of such a bruise: a small bruise that appeared unnoticed by a person.

Contusion of the second degree of severity : in addition to the skin, muscles are also damaged. The moment of impact is accompanied by sharp and severe pain, and the injured area swells, a hematoma appears. An example of such a bruise: hitting the little finger on the door frame.

Contusion of the third degree : in addition to the skin and muscles, ligaments and tendons are injured. The pain persists for several weeks, the mobility of the damaged part of the body is limited, hematoma and edema appear. An example of such a bruise: a sports injury while playing hockey.

Contusion of the fourth degree of severity : due to a strong traumatic factor, a layer of skin, muscles and even internal organs are damaged. The site of the injury swells and hurts, the functioning of an organ, such as the brain, is disrupted. An example of such a bruise: hitting the windshield in a car accident.

Symptoms of bruises

Main signs of injury :

• Pain at the moment of impact and persistence of soreness after. Depending on which tissues were damaged, the pain can last from several days to several months, and also differs in intensity. So, a bruise of the soft tissues of the buttocks or hips can give off mild pain, and an injury to the hand, especially in the area of ​​​​the fingers, will be accompanied by sharp and severe pain, because there are many nerve endings in this place.
• Swelling and edema . The bruised site usually begins to swell immediately, but the swelling may increase within two hours after the injury.
• Mobility restriction . With a severe bruise, the injured part of the body loses its ability to perform its usual functions. So, a bruised leg can turn into a lameness, and a bruised hand can turn into an inability to write or hold objects.
• Redness, which gradually turns into a hematoma (bruise) , evidence of hemorrhage in the tissue. As a rule, bruises are harmless and cause only aesthetic discomfort, but if the bruise is severe, the hematoma can lead to damage to internal organs. So, an intracerebral hematoma poses a serious threat to health, because it compresses the structures and tissues of the brain, which can lead to functional brain damage, disability and even death.

The main signs of a bruise: soreness, hematoma (bruise), edema.

The bruise may be barely visible or may be larger than 10 cm in diameter. The time of its appearance depends on the depth of the impact of the traumatic factor. So, if only the skin and subcutaneous capillaries are damaged, a bruise will appear within an hour after the bruise, and if deep layers like muscles or ligaments are affected, after 2-3 days.

The color of the bruise will tell you how old the bruise was. A fresh injury is distinguished by a bright red tint, which gradually changes to burgundy, purple, blue, greenish-yellow and disappears without a trace

First aid for injury

General principles of first aid for injuries universal :

• Rest the injured part of the body.
• Apply cold to the injured area. It can be a piece of meat from a freezer or a special hypothermic package from a pharmacy, there is no difference. Cooling will reduce swelling and pain.
• Treat the bruised area with an antiseptic solution if there is a wound or abrasion on the skin.
• Take an anesthetic by mouth if the pain does not subside after a couple of hours, and the injury could not be shown to the doctor.
• Go to the emergency room. You can do without this if the injury is not severe. If the head, chest, stomach or spine was injured, you should definitely see a specialist, because such an injury can be caused by much more serious injuries, such as internal bleeding.

Bruises should not be heated, rubbed, massaged or smeared with warming ointments: this will not help, but will only worsen the situation, because it will ensure blood flow and a greater spread of the hematoma.

These are the general principles of first aid, but depending on the injured part of the body, there are some peculiarities.

First aid for hand bruises

• Remain calm and do not move the injured limb.
• Apply cold.
• If there is no way to call an ambulance, a splint should be applied (if the bruise is very severe).

First aid for leg bruises

The principle is the same as for hand bruises:

• Provide peace.
• Apply cold.
• If it is not possible to call an ambulance, you should apply a splint (in case of a severe bruise or suspected fracture) and independently transport the victim to the emergency room or hospital emergency department.

First aid for head injuries

In case of head injury, as soon as possible:

• Assume a horizontal position.
• Antiseptic treat external wounds, if present.
• Depending on the severity of the condition: call an ambulance or go to the emergency room on your own.

Danger of head bruises – possible concussion of the brain and intracranial hematoma, therefore, in case of any, even a slight, bruise, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Symptoms of concussion :

• dizziness,
• nausea or vomiting,
• incoordination,
• voice change,
• hearing impairment.

First aid for bruised nose

If the nose is hit, bleeding may occur. To provide first aid, you need:

• Tilt your head down.
• Apply a handkerchief or cotton pads to the nostrils.
• Put something cold on the bridge of your nose.
• Rest for 15-20 minutes.

For nosebleeds, the head should be tilted forward rather than tilted back, because the blood will flow inward rather than outward along the back of the throat and may cause vomiting

First aid for spinal injury

With such bruises, it is better not to touch the victim, but to put him on a hard surface and wait for the ambulance.
The fact is that any careless movement can aggravate the condition and lead to severe neurological disorders.

First aid for a child with a bruise

In the case of childhood injuries, the same rules apply as for bruises in adults: ensure peace and apply cold to the site of injury.

The main thing is to remain calm. For this, the child should be seated on his knees or laid on the bed, calmed down. Then you can apply cold and explain that in the next 30 minutes you will need to sit still so that the bruise does not hurt more.

If the pain is intense and does not go away 1-2 hours after the impact or gets worse, call an ambulance.

In case of bruises, it is undesirable to give painkillers to children. The fact is that the medicine can drown out really serious complications such as internal bleeding or a fracture. If the pain does not subside 1-2 hours after the injury, or there is even a minimal suspicion of serious damage, the child should be shown to the doctor as soon as possible.

What to put in a first aid kit for a bruise

In order for the bruise to heal faster, it is important to immediately apply ice to the injury site. In addition, you will need a bandage, cotton wool and an antiseptic solution to wash the wound if there is blood.

The ideal first aid kit in case of injury :

• hypothermic bag;
• bandage;
• cotton wool;
• antiseptic solution, such as chlorhexidine.

Contusion diagnosis

In case of a slight bruise, it is not necessary to consult a doctor: first aid can be provided at home.

If the head, abdomen, spine or swelling and pain are bruised, you should seek advice from a traumatologist at the nearest emergency room.

If the victim cannot move independently, it is necessary to call an ambulance team, which will carefully take him to the hospital.

During the examination, the doctor will determine if nearby organs, bones and joints are affected, if there is internal bleeding.

Clinical blood test with leukocyte formula and ESR (with microscopy of a blood smear in case of pathological changes) (venous blood)

Code 3. 9.1.

CBC is a blood test that assesses general health, detects inflammation, bacterial, viral and fungal infections, and helps diagnose anemia, hematopoietic diseases, allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases.

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To confirm the diagnosis, the specialist may prescribe x-ray, magnetic or computed tomography .

How to distinguish a bruise from a fracture

The symptoms of a bruise and a closed fracture are similar to each other: severe pain, swelling, limitation of mobility. But if in case of a bruise the pain subsides in 2-3 hours, then in case of a fracture, on the contrary, it can intensify.

Characteristic symptoms of a fracture :

• severe pain when trying to move an injured part of the body,
• characteristic crunch at the site of injury,
• Unnatural bend or position of the injured part of the body.

If outwardly it is not possible to distinguish a bruise from a fracture, pain becomes the main criterion. With a fracture, the pain does not subside, but with a bruise, it gradually decreases

What diseases cause bruises

Frequent bruising may be the result of neurological disorders in which it is difficult for a person to control balance and movement.

Diseases accompanied by frequent injuries and bruises :

• multiple sclerosis,
• Parkinson’s disease,
• muscular dystrophies.

Laboratory tests help to identify these diseases.

Comprehensive test for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (oligoclonal IgG and free light chains of immunoglobulins in CSF)

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Bruise treatment

There is no specialized treatment for uncomplicated contusions. The main thing is to ensure peace, apply cold and not load the injured area.

For extensive bruises, the doctor may prescribe:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets, gels or ointments – to relieve fever, pain, swelling, inflammation;
• creams and ointments with heparin – for resorption of bruises.

For bruised internal organs, a puncture may be performed to remove excess fluid.

Recovery after injury

Depending on the injury, recovery may take a different amount of time. But in any case, in the first time after an injury, it is better not to load the injured area and observe physical rest, because there is a high risk of re-injury or the development of chronic pathology.

It is better to develop a plan for returning to normal activity together with a doctor.

Complications of contusions

In most cases, minor bruises do not lead to complications.

In severe cases, primary traumatic necrosis may develop – necrosis of part of the tissues at the site of injury.

Bruises of the joints sometimes lead to hemarthrosis – accumulation of blood in the joint area. With hemarthrosis, the joint enlarges and becomes spherical, movement is accompanied by pain

For treatment, use a tap to draw blood from the joint, or apply a cast to provide rest and allow it to heal on its own.

With severe head bruises, intracranial bleeding may occur , and with neck bruises, blood flow may be disturbed , which can lead to frequent headaches.

With severe bruises of the back and spine, the blood circulation of the spinal cord may be disturbed – sensitivity in the limbs decreases, muscles weaken.