Fractures of the Toes
Fractures of the toes occur very commonly.
Perhaps the most common injury of the foot is a stepping injury of
the baby toe. This occurs when the toe catches on a hard object. While
terribly painful initially, it is very rare that anything needs to
be done with this type of fracture. Usually, padding the toe and wearing
an open toed sandal or shoe without any pressure on the toes is all
that is required. In a few weeks the swelling will subside.
Occasionally, fractures of the big toe occur when heavy objects are
dropped onto the toe. This can cause quite severe crushing of the
toe, the toenail and the bone. This can be terribly painful. Sometimes
surgery is required. The tiny bone fragments of the big toe are repaired
using small pins or screws. Walking (in a special surgical shoe) is
permitted on the foot immediately after surgery. |
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