Toe Trauma - Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

A toe trauma is a common injury that can occur due to dropping something on one's foot or stubbing one's toe. Sometimes, it can result in a fractured toe, which is treated by taping it to the next toe. However, effective healing requires a cast or surgery if the fracture is significant, especially in the big toe. Most broken toes recover quickly in four to six weeks. A toe trauma, on the other hand, can become infected. Furthermore, in some cases, the trauma may increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis in that toe. In many cases, it does not cause any discomfort; however, in some, it can be excruciatingly uncomfortable. In addition, it can result in fractures, sprains, broken nails, and infections. A toe's pain usually goes away after a few minutes. However, in certain circumstances, the impact may break the toe or toenail, causing intense agony that may worsen over hours or days. In most cases, people can treat their injuries at home, and pain medication can help.

What Are the Different Causes of Toe Trauma?

• A toe trauma is frequently caused by injuries or events that bend or strain the toe beyond its natural range. These incidents may include stubbing the toe on the ground, which may cause the toe to overextend under the foot.

• Sometimes, a heavy object may fall on the toe, resulting in trauma.

• It is common in football players due to repeated pressure on the toe.

• Tripping while walking or running may cause the toe to overextend or twist.

What Are the Consequences of Toe Trauma?

It can result in a variety of injuries:

• Toe Fractured or Broken: A broken toe, also known as a toe fracture, is a fracture in one of the 14 toe bones. It can be excruciatingly uncomfortable and make walking difficult. Although many fractures heal independently, a severe fracture may require surgery.

• Pain and Swelling: Swelling around the toe is seen, and sometimes foot discoloration occurs, such as black or blue bruises. A change in the contour of the toe is seen if a bone is out of position. A person experiences difficulty moving the toe and considerable pain when walking or putting weight on the toes that worsens over time. A loss of sensation in the toe or foot or a visible bone sticking through the skin can develop following trauma, such as closing the toe in a heavy door. A bone bruise, strain, and sprain have symptoms identical to a fractured toe.

• Strains and Sprains: Sprains are injuries to the ligaments that connect the toes. A strain is a muscular or tendon injury. Mild strains and sprains may cause a ligament, muscle, or tendon to stretch. More severe injuries, on the other hand, can rip the tissue.

• Bruise of the Bones: A bone bruise is a deep bruise caused by blood vessel damage in or around the bone. They can be excruciatingly painful but usually heal within a few months. An X-ray will not reveal a bone bruise.

• Injuries to the Toes: A toenail injury can make walking difficult for several weeks. Toenail injuries can be excruciatingly painful, especially if the toenail breaks deep into the nail plate. Walking may be difficult for several weeks if the injury is severe enough to bleed. In addition, the toenail may fall off immediately after stubbing.

• Sublingual Hematoma: A sublingual hematoma is a blood clot under the toenail. Hematomas, regardless of size, frequently induce toenail loss. A sublingual hematoma can take six to nine months to dissipate.

• Infection in the Toe: If the impact of stubbing a toe breaks the skin or nails, bacteria can enter and create an infection. If the skin is broken, it is critical to keep the toe clean and protected and visit a doctor if there are signs of infection. Diabetes and compromised immune systems make people susceptible to toe and foot infections. Paronychia refers to skin infections along the nail.

What Are the Symptoms of Toe Trauma?

• Redness, swelling, pain, pus, or liquid under the skin around the nail.

• Several months after the accident, the toenail may develop a pigmentation or thickening, as well as pain or itchiness.

How to Get Rid of the Toe Trauma Pain?

Shaking or rubbing the foot after stumbling over a toe might relieve pain and promote blood flow. In addition, many techniques can relieve pain if the injury is more severe:

• A damaged toe could be gently taped to a neighboring toe.

• Consider taking an over-the-counter painkiller. Inflammation and discomfort are both decreased by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

• Try cold, compression, elevation, and rest (RICE method). Then, apply an ice pack for 10 minutes and refrain from putting weight on the injured area.

• When laying or sitting, raise the foot above the heart by wrapping or bandaging the area to prevent swelling.

• Soak a toenail that has been damaged in warm water.

• Toenail injuries should be treated with numbing cream or spray.

A doctor can advise surgery or physical treatment if the injury is severe and also:

• If the toe is extremely swollen, see a doctor.

• The toenail falls off, or the area around it is highly swollen, the pain is excruciating and does not go away after several hours, and it is difficult to walk or bear weight on foot.

• Around the toenail are indications of infection, including itchiness, redness, and pus.

• In case the bone is discernible, visit the emergency room.

• The toe appears bent or deformed.

• If the bleeding from a broken toenail continues for many minutes, the pain is excruciating, and the toe is numb, this could be a sign of a nerve injury.

How to Prevent Toe Trauma?

There are several ways to prevent toe trauma:

• Wear appropriate shoes.

• Wear protective footwear.

• Use toe pads.

• Keep the toenails trimmed.

• Be careful when walking.

• Stretch and warm up.

• Seek prompt medical attention.

When Does a Toenail Injury Become an Emergency?

A nonemergency toenail injury can be treated with home remedies. Medical help is needed when the bleeding caused by the injury does not subside; the nail is torn or detached from the nail bud, and more scenarios in which one should approach an emergency doctor.

Conclusion

A toe trauma can cause excruciating discomfort. Sometimes, shaking or massaging the region is beneficial. However, if the pain persists, more severe damage can be present. Even while many toe injuries recover independently, immediate medical attention can hasten the process and lessen pain.