Ouch! The person wasn’t paying attention and whacked a toe against a chair or stumbled against a rock while going barefoot outside. It’s often said that people can break a toe and never even realize it, even though the pain is acute for a while. Is it okay not to seek medical treatment from podiatrists in Racine WI for this injury? What happens if the toe is simply left to heal?
Consider the Severity
A simple toe fracture should heal on its own with no lasting problems. A hairline fracture might produce significant pain, but the discomfort should be much less noticeable within a few days. The toe is likely to be bruised and the nail may turn dark. Swelling is also likely.
A more severe toe fracture could result in intermittent pain or the development of arthritis in the joint. If the bone does not heal properly, surgery will probably be necessary to correct the issue. The main symptoms of inadequate healing are ongoing pain and aching in the toe. Another symptom is a noticeable deformity. It’s best to have podiatrists in Racine WI evaluate the injury to make sure no professional medical treatment is necessary.
Treating the Injury at Home
Resting the foot as much as possible will help it heal more quickly. The person should refrain from putting pressure on the foot while standing or walking. This is not the time for pushing pedals on a bicycle or going for a jog.
The foot should be kept elevated above the heart while sitting or lying down whenever possible, as this decreases swelling. Applying an icepack will reduce swelling too. Swelling should dissipate within a couple of days.
Medical Attention
Diagnosing a fracture usually is done with an X-ray ordered by a clinic such as Great Lakes Foot & Ankle Centers. Depending on the severity of the injury, a foot doctor might tape the fractured toe to the one next to it, keeping it somewhat immobile. The patient may receive a prescription for a crutch or cane to keep weight off that foot while walking. A special boot also may be prescribed that keeps the toe in place during standing and walking, allowing it to heal.
