McKinney Foot Doctor Discusses Toe Injuries

Injuries to the Toes

Injuries to the great toe or lesser digits (2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th toes) are quite common. These injuries range from a simple stub of a toe on a piece of furnature to traumatic injuries including machinery injuries and gun shot wounds. Most injuries include fractures most often involving the lesser toes. Fractures to toes can be treated and the injured individual is advised to seek medical attention. If the fracture to lesser digit is in good alignment, then simple buddy splinting along with a rigid soled shoe is often the standard treatment protocol. If the lesser digital fracture is displaced, closed reduction many times can be carried out after the toe is put to sleep using a local anesthetic. Using distraction (pulling on the toe) the fracture many times can be reduced. Sometimes surgical reduction of lesser toe fractures is required utilising reduction and pinning of the toe. Fractures to the large toes (first toe, big toe) are much more serious. The big toe serves many functions including balance and with walking. There are two larger muscles that attach to the the big to via tendons. Because of these tendons, it is important for those people who have a big toe fracture to many times be placed in a below the knee walking cast or boot. Displaced (shifted) fractures of the big toe often have to be realigned using closed reduction (manipulation) or surgical reduction with pinning, screws and/or plates. It is very important to have a big toe injury treated by a qualified podiatric physician and surgeon.Sporting injuries to the big toe and lesser toes are also very common. This can include toe fractures, joint dislocations and and tendon ruptures. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is important for the quickest recovery and return to function. Traumatic toe injuries from machinery (warehouse, power equipment or farm injuries to the foot) are often very serious. Immediate medical attention is required to reduce the risk of toe and/or foot loss from damage to foot blood vessels and/or infection. One should seek immediate medical attention at a local emergency room or urgent care center. Blunt trauma to the big toe or lesser toes should also be evaluated in a timely fashion. Often times blood will collect under the toenail plate (subungual hematoma). This can cause prolonged pain and increase the risk to infection to toe. The skin under the toenail (nail bed) can be damaged from blunt trauma (injury) to the toe. If the nail bed is injured (lacerated) prompt repair is advised to reduce the risk of infection. Injury to the toenail plate and the nail bed often results in long term damage to the toenail not to mention toenail loss (toenail falling off) shortly after the injury. As the nail grows back, it is not uncommon for the toenial to be mishaped, thick and/or yellow. Toenail fungal infections are often acquired by trauma to the toenail and toes. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is of utmost importance for the best recovery.Dr. Eric Silvers is a board certified foot and ankle specialist practicing in McKinney, Texas and Prosper, Texas. His office phone number is 972-542-2155 and the office Website is www.advancedfoottexas.com. Same day appointments are often available. Dr. Silvers e-mail is drericsilvers@gmail.com

Eric M. Silvers, DPM, PA
Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialist
Advanced Foot and Ankle Center
McKinney, Texas
Prosper, Texas
http://www.advancedfoottexas.com
972-542-2155