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Don’t Lose Your Mojo: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments for Broken Toe
If you’ve ever dropped something on your foot or jammed it on something hard, you might have been close to breaking your toe. Broken toes are one of the most common breaks in the human body, and they can be seriously painful injuries that require prompt and careful rehabilitation.
That’s why at Kentlands Foot and Ankle Center, we are here to un-stub the toe fracture confusion, providing expert insight and advice along your path to better foot health.
Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Toe
Because a broken toe often causes immediate and severe pain, it’s helpful to distinguish it from other potential foot injuries like turf toe and toe sprains:
- Intense pain: Sharp and localized pain at the point of impact.
- Swelling: Rapid onset of swelling around the injured toe.
- Bruising: Discoloration may appear within a few hours.
- Deformity: The toe may appear visibly crooked or misshapen.
- Difficulty walking: Putting weight on the injured foot may be painful.
Prognosis for a Broken Toe
Most toe fractures typically heal within 4-6 weeks. However, the specific recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the fracture and the person’s overall foot health.
While most broken toes heal without complications, there is a small risk of developing arthritis in the affected toe in the future. Additionally, if the fracture is not properly aligned, it may result in long-term pain or deformity.
Treatment and Recovery
Most minor toe fractures can be treated at home with the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and over-the-counter pain relievers prescribed by your podiatrist. In some cases, your podiatrist may recommend taping or splinting the toe to immobilize it and promote healing.
Crutches or boots are typically not necessary for a broken toe unless there are multiple fractures or associated injuries. However, it’s essential during recovery to avoid putting excessive weight on the injured foot. Physical therapy may also be recommended to gently regain strength and flexibility after the bone has healed.
Want to stay on top of your foot and ankle health this summer? We’re happy to help! Schedule a comprehensive foot examination with Kentlands Foot and Ankle Center podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman. To schedule your appointment, please call our office at 301-825-9697.
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NFL Injury Week
This past week of football was a tough week for some star players. Washington’s own RGIII suffered another setback with a dislocated ankle, and the Benglas’ A.J. Green is out with possible turf toe.
Dislocated ankles are a tough injury for athelete’s and can mean weeks of recovery and physical therapy to get back into competetive shape. Here at Kentlands Foot & Ankle Center we like to see someone immediately after the injury to prevent secondary injury and stabilize the joint. Typically we would place a patient in a walking boot to keep the ankle stable while it heals. Physical therapy to stregnthen the muscles around the joint would follow after a few weeks.
For more information on ankle sprains, dislocation or breaks please call our office at 301-330-5666.
Check out the article for more information on players’ injuries.
SB Nation reports on NFL Week 2.
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