Dislocated toes are often seen in athletes. Athletes tend to perform activities in which sudden impact of body weight will be taken by the feet. Dislocated toes are the result of the sudden or direct impact or trauma to the toes. Excessive stress/strain to the ligaments of the toes will lead to dislocation of the toes.
Signs and Symptoms of Dislocated Toe
- Inflammations of the foot especially toe area.
- Severe pain immediately after the injury.
- Deformity may be seen in some cases.
- Numbness and tenderness.
- Bruising of the toes.
- Walking will become extremely difficult.
Other factors related to dislocated toes- In some cases, abnormal conditions such as malformed sockets of the joints or laxity of the ligaments may also cause dislocated toes.
Self-treatment is very dangerous because the extent of the dislocation cannot be decided manually. Person affected from dislocated toe should not do any sort of self-treatment such as applying gels, rubbing, massaging, etc., which will lead to adverse affects. Immediate medical intervention is always advisable.
Medical Treatment For Dislocated Toe
- Initial treatment with application of rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE) should be done in order to help alleviate pain.
- Even if the pain and inflammation gets subsided with RICE treatment, the patient should seek medical attention for further care and management.
- Radiologic studies may be requested by the doctor to determine the type and extent of dislocation.
- Medical care provider will examine the toe by manipulating the toe back in its place. If required, the doctor will buddy tape the toe to make sure the healing is done appropriately.
- Once manipulation phase is completed, then the doctor may suggest fomentation (ice and heat), strapping, and whirlpool treatment.
- After the healing phase, the doctor will then recommend, if required, physical rehab to help regain strength and range of motion of the toe.
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