Family DoctorOnline DoctorFamily Doctor
DiseasesInjuriesMedical TestsDrugsFruitsHome RemediesHerbal MedicinesVegetablesFirst AidVitaminsHomeopathic Remedies
Injuries

Leg Stress Fracture, Tibia
Liver Injury
Neck Dislocation
Neck Fracture
Neck Sprain
Neck Strain
Nose Injury
Pelvis Strain, Hip-Trunk
Pelvis Strain, Ischium
Perineum Contusion
Rib Dislocation
Rib Fracture
Rib Sprain
Rib Strain
Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Bursitis
Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Contusion
Shoulder-Blade Fracture, Acromion
Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Fracture, Coracoid Process
Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Fracture, Glenoid Fossa
Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Fracture, Neck
Shoulder-Blade (Scapula) Strain
Shoulder Bursitis, Gleno-Humeral
Shoulder Bursitis, Subacromial
Shoulder Contusion
Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder Sprain, Acromio-Clavicular
Shoulder Sprain, Gleno-Humeral
Shoulder Strain
Shoulder Tendinitis & Tenosynovitis
Skin Abrasion
Skin Laceration
Skin Puncture Wound
Spine Fracture, Lower Thoracic & Lumber Region
Spine Fracture, Sacrum
Spine Fracture, Tailbone
Spine Stress-Fracture, Neck or Back
Spleen Rupture
Thigh-Bone Fracture
Thigh Contusion
Thigh Hematoma
Thigh Injury, Hamstring
Thigh Strain, Quadriceps
Thigh Strain
Thumb Fracture
Thumb Sprain
Toe Dislocation
Toe Exostosis
Toe Fracture
Tooth Injury & loss
Wrist Contusion
Wrist Dislocation, Lunate
Wrist Dislocation, Radius or Ulna
Wrist Ganglion
Wrist Sprain
Wrist Strain
Wrist Tenosynovitis


Toe Dislocation

Injury to any toe joint so that adjoining bones are displaced from their normal position and no longer touch each other. Fractures and ligament sprains frequently accompany this dislocation. Toe dislocations are a common problem for athletes.

Body Parts Involved

  • Bones of the toes.
  • Ligaments that hold toe bones in place.
  • Soft tissue surrounding the dislocation site, including periosteum (covering to bone), nerves, tendons, blood vessels and connective tissue.

Causes

  • Direct or indirect blow to the foot.
  • End result of a severe toe sprain.
  • Congenital abnormality, such as a shallow or malformed joint surface.

Signs & Symptoms

  • Excruciating pain in the toe at the time of injury.
  • Walking difficulty.
  • Severe pain when attempting to move the injured toe.
  • Visible deformity if the dislocated toe has locked in the dislocated position. Bones may spontaneously reposition themselves and leave no deformity, but damage is the same.
  • Tenderness over the dislocation.
  • Swelling and bruising at the injury site.
  • Numbness or paralysis beyond the dislocation from pinching, cutting or pressure on blood vessels or nerves.

Treatment

First Aid

  • Use instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letters of compression and elevation.
  • The doctor will manipulate the dislocated toes to return them to their normal position.
  • Manipulation should be accomplished within 6 hors, if possible. After that time, many tissues lose their elasticity and become difficult to return to a normal functional position.

Continuing Care

  • Use an ice pack 3 or 4 times a day. Wrap ice chips or cubes in a plastic bag, and wrap the bag in a moist towel. Place it over the injured area for 20 minutes at a time.
  • You may apply heat instead of ice, if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments and ointments.
  • Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
  • Wrap the injured foot with an elasticized between treatments.
  • Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling. Stroke from the toes toward the heart.
  • Have a metatarsal bar sewed into your shoe by a shoe repairmen or brace-maker.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe:

  • Local anesthesia or muscle relaxants to make joint manipulation possible.
  • Acetaminophen or aspirin to relieve moderate pain, and narcotic pain relievers for severe pain.
  • Stool softeners to prevent constipation due to decreased activity.

Home Diet

  • Drink only water before manipulation or surgery to correct the dislocation. Solid food in your stomach makes vomiting while under general anesthesia more hazardous.
  • During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Diagnostic Measures

  • Your own observation of symptoms.
  • Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
  • X-rays of the foot and ankle.
Prevention Tips

Wear appropriate, well-designed shoes during competition or other athletic activity. Tape the toes to prevent reinjury.


Online Doctor || Contact Us || Skin Disorders || Diabetes Care || Cellulite Guide || Chemotherapy ||

Bookmark and Share

(c) Online-family-doctor.com All rights reserved

Disclaimer: Online-family-doctor.com is an information and educational purposes web site only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Do not rely upon any of the information provided on this site for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your primary health care provider about any personal health concerns. We will not be liable for any complications, or other medical accidents arising from the use of any information on this site.