About this topic
Toes are made up of many parts. You can see the skin and toenails. Other parts include bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. You also have, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. You may have toe pain or other problems if any of these parts are hurt. ‚
Common toe injuries are: ‚
- Broken bone
- Sprained or torn ligament
- Dislocated toe ¢ ˆ ’ Toe bone is moved out of its normal position
- Tendonitis, tendon injury, or muscle sprain
- Bunion ¢ ˆ ’ Bump at the outer edge of the bottom of the big toe
- Hammertoe or mallet toe ¢ ˆ ’ Toes are bent at one of the toe joints making the toe look like a claw
- Toenail problems like ingrown toenail, fungus infection, bruise under the nail
- Skin problems like corns, callus, blisters, rash, athletes foot, warts
- Cuts or puncture wounds
- Amputation
- Growth on a nerve
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What are the causes?
- Accident like a fall, dropping an object on the toe, stubbing the toe, cut or wound, frostbite, or burn
- Problems with shoes like jamming the toe inside a shoe with a sudden stop, wearing shoes that are too tight, pressure or friction
- Illnesses like arthritis, infection, blood clots, or problems with blood supply to the foot
- Other problems like repeated stress, flat feet, cutting the toenail too short, or walking in damp places with bare feet
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to have problems with your feet as you get older. Wearing poor-fitting shoes, high heels, or not wearing shoes will increase the chance of toe injury. Certain conditions like high blood sugar or weak bones may also raise your chances of foot problems. Playing sports or doing things like dancing makes it more likely that you will have a toe injury. ‚
What are the main signs?
There are many signs of a toe injury and they are based on the kind of injury or illness you have. You may have pain, swelling, bruising, and bleeding. Your toe may be stiff or not look normal. There may be a bump on your toe and the toe may not be lined up correctly. The toenail or skin may look different. You may have itching or your toe may be pale or numb. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam. Your doctor will feel around your injured toe. Your doctor may have you move your toe up and down to check motion. Your doctor may also watch you walk. The doctor may order: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest
- Ice
- Elevation
- Change shoe types, use inserts or extra padding
- Donut shaped pads, creams, warm soaks, pumice stone to treat corns and calluses
- Shaving, cutting, or removing corns or calluses
- Acid, freezing, or laser to remove warts
- Wound care to open areas
- Brace, splint, or walking boot
- Crutches or a walker to take the pressure off of an injured toe
- Exercises
- Lining up bones that are out of place
- Surgery
Are there other health problems to treat?
It is important to control blood sugar. This will help to avoid problems with blood flow and healing. Keep a healthy weight or lose weight. This will lower stress on the feet. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs or creams to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent or fight an infection
- Treat a rash or skin problem
The doctor may give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory drug called a corticosteroid. This will help with swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Loss of motion
- Weakness
- Injury to nerves, blood vessels, or other tissues
- Trouble walking
- Ongoing pain
- Trouble with balance
- Problem, like a bunion or wart, comes back
- Poor healing
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes with a wide toe. Avoid high heels and tight shoes. Check your childs shoe size often.
- Wear shoes when walking outdoors. Do not go barefoot.
- Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight puts extra stress on your feet.
- If you are a runner, run on softer surfaces such as a track instead of concrete.
- Wash your feet every day.
- Always wear clean, dry socks. Change them if they get damp.
- Do not go barefoot in wet areas such as swimming pools or in locker rooms. This may help you avoid getting a fungus infection.
- If you have high blood sugar, be sure to check your feet every day. Sometimes, numbness from diabetes may prevent you from seeing a cut or problem on your foot.
- Do not attempt to remove warts, calluses, or corns yourself, especially if you have high blood sugar. Be sure to ask your doctor what is safe to do at home.
- Be careful when trimming your toenails. Cutting them too short may cause an ingrown toenail.
Where can I learn more?
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ‚
http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/overview/Pages/Adult-Foot-Health.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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