Today, such an injury can be called quite rare, since people now practically do not walk barefoot.
It is important to recognize the injury as early as possible and make an accurate diagnosis in order to take the necessary measures in time, because the person’s future life and the possibility of normal movement will depend on the correct treatment.
The rehabilitation process after such an injury usually requires quite a long time.
In this article you will learn what to do if your toe is dislocated and how to provide first aid to the victim.
Most often, a dislocated toe occurs as a result of a blow to the fingers or foot, and in most cases, athletes face this type of injury. Dislocations of the big toe are more common than others, but according to medical statistics, they account for only about 2% of the total number of patient visits to traumatologists with any kind of dislocation.
The big toe is injured more often than others because its location is somewhat specific, it is much larger than the others, it always protrudes forward, and therefore is the first to take any blow.
In isolated cases, a dislocation of the little finger is observed, which occurs when there is a side impact with an object.
In addition, in some cases, dislocations of the bones of the metatarsus and tarsus are observed, which occur due to a sharp unnatural turn of the foot or a strong blow. Such a dislocation causes visible deformation of the foot and requires urgent action.
When a dislocation occurs, the first thing to do is limit the functionality of the damaged joint, and sometimes even part of the foot. A person experiences acute pain almost immediately after the blow, but it intensifies significantly when trying to step on his foot or move his fingers.
Movements are immediately limited. Any movement of the finger during a dislocation causes unbearable pain. In this case, the damaged toe is always deformed, which gives the foot an unnatural appearance.
Gradually, a hematoma appears at the site of injury, which can cover the entire surface of the finger and surrounding tissues. But swelling, like swelling, appears very quickly if measures are not taken immediately. When a finger is dislocated, swelling can spread to the entire surface of the foot, which will significantly complicate the injury's reduction and treatment.
When a finger is dislocated, it becomes severely deformed and often takes on an unnatural position, so a doctor can easily diagnose an injury only by the presence of external signs and a study of the medical history.
But to determine the characteristics of the damage, an x-ray examination will be required. When the phalanx of the thumb is dislocated, the distal part is most often damaged, since it is here that the joint has the greatest mobility and the maximum level of load also occurs here.
In second place among toe dislocations in terms of frequency of diagnosis is damage to the fourth toe, or more precisely its phalanx.
The middle toe is extremely rarely dislocated, even when seriously injured, because due to its central position it is quite well protected.
When carrying out diagnostics, a displacement of the damaged fingers to the outside or back is often detected. Dislocations towards the sole occur only in isolated cases, since their occurrence is possible only with the special structure of the foot and ligamentous apparatus.
It is important to remember that you are only allowed to correct an injury yourself in an emergency, when it is not possible to get help from a qualified specialist within the next 2 hours after receiving the injury.
In all other cases, self-reduction is strictly prohibited, since with any careless or incorrect movement a person may remain disabled and forever lose the ability to move normally.
To prevent the formation of edema and swelling, it is necessary to apply ice to the site of dislocation immediately after injury. Cold will not only reduce the likelihood of swelling, but also ease the pain, because such a dislocation is always accompanied by very sharp and severe pain. It is important that the victim's leg is elevated to reduce blood flow to the injured limb.
Under no circumstances should you wrap your leg or apply warming agents . Such measures will not bring any benefit, but will only significantly worsen the condition and increase the size of the tumor. It is also important to remember that ice compresses should not be used in cases where the victim has diabetes. This measure reduces the level of blood flow to the affected leg, but in case of diabetes mellitus this can lead to many complications.
A closed type of dislocation, as a rule, can be eliminated in a regular emergency room or clinic, where further treatment will be provided, as well as observation and measures taken to restore motor function in the area of damage.
A closed dislocated toe is reduced according to a specific pattern. The first step is an x-ray examination, which allows the doctor to see all the features of the injury and the resulting displacement. After this, the damaged finger is treated with iodine and anesthetized with an injection of novocaine injected into the area of the distal phalanx and the damaged finger.
If the dislocation is classified as difficult to reduce, the doctor can insert a special thin needle through the distal phalanx, which is fixed in a special arch. In addition, the doctor can use a claw. You should not be afraid of the needle insertion procedure; it is not particularly difficult and is absolutely safe.
After this, the doctor performs traction on the injured finger, while a second doctor (nurse or other assistant) holds the patient by the area of the lower leg of the injured leg, providing countertraction. When the required traction is achieved, without weakening it, the doctor realigns the displaced phalanx by pressing in the desired direction with the thumbs.
After the reduction has been carried out, it is necessary to carefully check the presence of flexion and extension function of the joint , as well as take a control x-ray, after which the doctor will apply a special adhesive bandage to further fix the finger.
In some cases, a small splint is required to ensure complete immobilization of the finger, for example, if the thumb or little finger is dislocated and cannot be fixed with the adjacent fingers.
The duration of wearing a fixing bandage will be different in each case , but on average it is about 3 weeks, during which special exercises should be performed to ensure movement of the joints of the injured finger and contribute to a faster recovery.
The duration of rehabilitation after such a dislocation largely depends on the timeliness of the reduction, the complexity of the injury, as well as on compliance with all doctor’s instructions during treatment. On average, recovery time can range from 3–4 weeks to several months, if surgery was required to reduce a dislocation (for example, an old one).
Possible complications of such an injury include:
The structure of the thumb has its own characteristics. The head of the metatarsal bone, shaped like a hemisphere, faces the finger itself, towards the base of its phalanx, in which there are voids. Thanks to these voids, the head of the bone is precisely connected to the digital phalanx, forming a joint that has fairly free mobility of the bones between them.
The joint is held in place by 3 ligaments, two of which are located on the sides, and the third on the plantar part. It is the part on the side of the sole that is the most vulnerable place of the joint, since during injury this ligament is torn most often, which leads to dislocation.
When a dislocation occurs, the phalanx is separated from the metatarsal bone, and the finger moves upward . In most cases, the ligaments located on the sides of the joint remain intact when the thumb is dislocated. When receiving such an injury, it is important to accurately determine the dislocation and distinguish it from a possible fracture or severe bruise.
Dislocation of the fifth toe (little finger), as well as on the hand, can occur for many reasons, but most often this happens when hitting an object. The little toe is the smallest toe on the foot, but, in addition, it has a very high vulnerability, since it is located on the back of the foot and has no protection.
Sometimes it happens that a dislocation of the little toe occurs even when a person wears too narrow shoes.
If this finger is damaged, a person cannot bend it, straighten it, or make any other movement in the injured joint.
A person who suffers a sprained pinky finger generally experiences a slight tingling sensation in the injured finger, similar to numbness or cramping, and the skin on the surface of the finger and around the injured joint may turn white.
Because of such symptoms, people practically do not pay attention to a dislocation of the little toe, not considering it serious, because the pain quickly passes in the same way as with a regular bruise.
Now you know what to do if you sprain your toe. You can find out about a big toe fracture here.
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When the nail of any toe hurts, any person experiences great inconvenience, since his free, comfortable movement is limited. Painful sensations in the toe near the nail may occur due to:
Healthy male feet
Bruised toes
With traumatic exposure, damage to nerve endings occurs. Rupture of blood vessels leads to the development of a local hematoma. The finger swells. These processes constitute the mechanism of pain. Blood circulation under the nail is disrupted, bruising and degenerative changes appear. The nail loses its natural color. Subsequently, it dies and detaches. In most cases, it falls off on its own. It is rare to seek surgical help. The surgeon will sanitize the nail bed. It will free your finger from the remnants of dead nails and give recommendations for further treatment of microcracks and pain relief. Daily dressings and vitamin therapy are recommended to stimulate new nail growth. If pain tolerance is poor, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken.
To prevent infection, the sore finger is lubricated with antibacterial ointments.
After the nail plate of a finger is removed, a new one grows back. With severe damage, the resulting swelling quickly spreads to the entire foot. In this case, you should suspect a phalanx crack or a toe fracture.
To make an accurate diagnosis, start treatment on time and prevent complications, an examination by a traumatologist and an X-ray examination are necessary.
Causes of this condition:
Ingrown toenail
May have different course and localization. The following forms are distinguished:
Cutaneous . The inflammatory process is superficial and affects the periungual area.
Panaritium occurs as a result of infection penetration through injuries resulting from injections, splinters, hangnails, pedicures and other microtraumas.
The causative agents of this inflammatory process can be:
Risk factors contributing to the development of the disease:
When infection penetrates through damaged skin and with the further development of the inflammatory process in the toe area, swelling appears in combination with redness of the skin around the nail plate. Subsequently, the process localizes and the patient begins to complain of throbbing pain in the toe. With further favorable development of felon, the abscess breaks through and the wound heals.
In a complicated course, the bone is involved in the inflammatory process, which can lead to inflammation of the periosteum or osteomyelitis. The treatment regimen must include antibiotic therapy. Ointments and other agents with an antibacterial effect are used locally. In extreme cases, in the absence of effect from conservative therapy, the surgeon opens the abscess and sanitation of the wound. There are no stitches. The finger heals naturally.
If a problem occurs once, depending on the cause, you can change shoes, choosing more comfortable ones. It will not be superfluous to maintain hygiene and keep your feet clean while using antibacterial and antifungal agents. Pedicures should be entrusted exclusively to a professional in reliable and reputable salons. Following these simple rules will allow you to do without medical help.
But if the nail has grown in, and severe pain and severe inflammation appear, it is necessary to urgently seek medical help.
The pain is rhythmic. It most commonly occurs at night and lasts for several hours. Reactive arthritis with psoriasis and gout typically affects the big toe. With rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of the finger joints in various variations is possible.
Arthritis of the toes
This pathology affects the big toe. Women are more often affected. The reason is the wrong choice of shoes. Narrow high-heeled models, when worn for a long time, lead to joint deformation, and subsequently to the inflammatory process of the periarticular bursa. As a result, the finger turns red and swells. Pain appears, sharply intensifying with even the slightest touch.
To relieve symptoms and stop the development of arthrosis, it is necessary to prescribe anti-inflammatory therapy and choose the right shoes.
Arthrosis of the big toe
Observed in the following diseases of blood vessels (arteries):
Disruption of arterial blood flow causes oxygen deficiency and disruption of tissue trophism. These processes lead to pain in the legs, including the toes. At the same time, dry and pale skin appears. Feet are cold to the touch. The nail plate of the finger becomes striated and breaks easily.
Risk groups include:
In any case, when your big toe hurts, a medical consultation is necessary to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe the correct and effective treatment.
Many people, most of them women, are bothered by a lump growing on their foot. It causes inconvenience or even pain when walking, does not allow you to wear the shoes you want, and does not look aesthetically pleasing. The disease is popularly called a bone or bump. The name of the disease in orthopedics is hallux valgus.
What is the essence of the disease?
The foot has two arches, one of them is located along, the second - across. They are needed so that we maintain balance correctly and without much effort, and when walking, shock absorption is automatically provided. The metatarsal bones are located in the transverse arch and form a kind of arch. It helps us walk effortlessly and protects our feet from mechanical injuries.
If the position is incorrect, the head of the metatarsal bone of the big toe deviates inward, and its phalanx deviates outward. Balance is disrupted; when walking, a person begins to lean on the foot in a way that is not intended by nature. As a result, the remaining bones do not function properly and gradually become modified. The first sign of trouble is the appearance of calluses in the forefoot. This happens because unnatural pressure increases and the soft tissue begins to be damaged.
Due to the imbalance of tendons and muscles, the metatarsophalangeal joint of the first toe on the foot is modified. His bones become at an angle to each other, he increases in size, and ceases to properly perform his function. This threatens to increase the load on the knees, pelvis and spine.
Sometimes people call hallux valgus deformity gout. Gout is a disorder in the production of certain amounts of uric acid and the deposition of its salts. More often the disease bothers men rather than women.
If a bone on the foot begins to grow, the big toe seems to “fall” on the neighboring ones, displacing them one after another, and deviates inward. The resulting lump gradually increases in size, begins to turn red and swell. This is a serious signal of inflammation in the joint, which requires immediate and professional treatment.
1. Development of flat feet. It is acquired against the background of weakness of ligaments and muscles. The arch of the foot changes, the load begins to be distributed incorrectly (increases on the back and pelvic area), and the gait changes.
2. Childhood trauma. At a tender age, the bones are thin and flexible, sometimes this protects the child, in other cases it causes incorrect growth of the foot. A bunion occurs when parts of the leg joints fuse crookedly after a fracture.
3. Uncomfortable shoes. Heels, especially high narrow stilettos, are often to blame for the formation of a bump. If a woman wears them constantly, the load on the entire musculoskeletal system is distributed incorrectly, the bones are displaced, and a deformity is formed - the culprit for the growth of the lump.
4. Obesity. One of the main causes of painful joints is excess weight. If a person constantly carries weights that are one and a half to two times greater than what is required, his bones and ligaments suffer. The spine and joints are simply not designed for such a load, which is why various types of diseases arise.
5. Valgus deformity is often caused by a hereditary factor. If a mother has an enlarged lump near her big toe, her daughter will most likely get this problem at a certain age.
6. Osteoporosis. Characterized by a decrease in normal bone density.
Before going to the podiatrist, you can do a home test for flat feet. Apply a thick cream or wet your feet with water. Carefully step on a clean, dry floor and evaluate the result. If the middle part of the foot in the print occupies more than a third of its total length, you need to consult a doctor and get treatment.
Treatment for bumps on feet
A bone near the thumb, if it has already increased in size and deformation has begun, requires an integrated approach. It involves choosing the right shoes, drug therapy, massage, gymnastics, and wearing special braces or splints. Some folk recipes, baths with herbs or taking them orally would be useful.
Unscrupulous manufacturers, all kinds of charlatans and people profiting from the illnesses of others offer many remedies that supposedly destroy the lump and bring the finger back to normal. No gels or ointments that promise healing can do this. No matter what active substances the manufacturer declares in the composition, they cannot penetrate the skin into the joint and affect it. All of these are marketing ploys that should not be trusted.
Treatment for a bunion near the thumb should begin with a visit to the doctor. He will prescribe diagnostic procedures, make a diagnosis based on them, and select therapy that is acceptable in each individual case. The doctor will evaluate the results and adjust methods if necessary.
Which specialist should I contact? Problems with bones, muscles, ligaments, joints and tendons are solved by an orthopedist.
As for home therapy with folk remedies, it is appropriate as an addition to the main treatment if there are no contraindications.
1. Orthopedic shoes, insoles and instep supports. All these measures are effective if you recognize the danger in its early stages. When used, flat feet are corrected, the load is correctly redistributed and shock absorption increases. The arch of the foot gradually returns to its normal position.
2. Latch. This advertised product can be purchased at a pharmacy or online store. The action consists of forcing the finger into the correct position and holding it. When wearing a brace, muscles and ligaments are trained. The method will lead to recovery and disappearance of the bone if the deformation is still in the initial stage. A fixator will not be able to correct a crooked joint.
Only diagnostics will determine the degree of development of the deformity. Your doctor will tell you how appropriate it is to use a retainer in this particular case. Usually people write about the quality of the fixative, its features, and the manufacturer. However, it is more important here to correctly determine the degree of damage to the bones and joints of the finger, and this is impossible to do at home.
3. Ties and tires. Special orthopedic devices have a more pronounced and targeted effect than the fixator. They put joints and tendons in place and make them work as they should.
4. Massage. When treating bunions and big toes, this method is often included in the therapy. It relaxes muscles well, encourages joints to work normally, and helps them return to the correct position. Orthopedic massage is prescribed by a doctor and performed by professionals. If the person who is bothered by a lump on the foot is not one, the remedy is unlikely to work.
5. Gymnastics. Exercises can and should be done at home on your own. They help strengthen joints, tendons and muscles, optimize their function and heal bones.
6. A good remedy is to walk around the house barefoot and on tiptoes.
Treatment of bunions at home can be supplemented with methods that are not used by official medicine. Consistent intake of herbal decoctions acts on inflammation from the inside, reducing it and gradually eliminating it.
Take a couple of tablespoons of dry sedge grass and place it in boiling water. Steam in a thermos or under a warm hood, strain after two hours. Drink the decoction three times a day before meals, 50 ml.
Treatment at home is well supplemented with a strained remedy, which is prepared as follows: celery root is finely grated and soaked in cold purified water for several hours in a dark place. Drink the strained infusion a quarter glass three times a day on an empty stomach.
Linden and St. John's wort flowers and elderberry leaves are mixed in equal proportions, poured with boiling water and infused for a couple of hours. The strained product should be drunk twice a day, 100 ml.
Treatment with this mixture is carried out by taking a teaspoon orally twice a day. First, the berries and onions are passed through a meat grinder and allowed to brew overnight in a cool place in a closed glass container. After this, the resulting medicine is mixed with natural honey and infused again for several hours.
Treatment of valgus deformity of the first toe or bunion in the folk style is a long process that requires accuracy, correct implementation of all doctor’s instructions, prescriptions, and gymnastics.
Many people are familiar with the problem of a protruding bunion on their foot. Representatives of the fair sex are especially nervous about this, because the ugly growth prevents them from wearing their favorite boots or shoes. In addition, it causes a lot of inconvenience when walking, provokes swelling, causes inflammation and pain. In order to effectively combat this disease, it is necessary to understand why the bone on the leg is growing.
A disease in which a bone grows on the foot is medically called hallux valgus (hallux valgus). Women are most often affected by this disease. Representatives of the stronger sex, whose ligaments are much stronger, are less likely to encounter this problem. Deformation of the foot is possible only as a result of injury.
It is worth noting that today bones grow in very young women - 30-40 years old, while just half a century ago they affected women aged 45-55 years. Moreover, the “bones” are rapidly becoming younger, because even a teenage girl can find them in herself these days. When there is a problem, the head of the joint of the big toe begins to bulge. At the same time, the thumb deviates to the side, often overlapping the adjacent toe. The causes of hallux valgus, in which the bone on the big toe grows, are:
A bunion on the big toe can form due to a sedentary lifestyle combined with smoking, poor diet and excess weight. In such cases, blood flow weakens, a large amount of cholesterol clogs the vessels, causing swelling. This increases the load on the feet. Another reason why a bone begins to grow is a deficiency in the human body of vitamins A, E and C. A sufficient amount of them can ensure the normal functioning of the joints, and with their deficiency, weakness of the ligamentous apparatus and joints is observed.
The cause of the appearance of a bunion near the big toe may be shoes without heels or, conversely, with very high heels. Such models provoke the development of flat feet, which deform the feet and contribute to the formation of bumps. In medicine, the following stages of disease development are distinguished:
What treatment is required if a bone grows on the thumb depends on the stage of the disease. Initially, the use of folk and conservative methods is allowed. The last stage requires more radical measures, including surgery.
When you detect the first symptoms of the disease, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. There is no need to delay it - in case of pronounced deformation of the bones on the toes, only surgical treatment will help. Therefore, the appearance of calluses, corns, redness in the area of possible growth, pain in the joint after a long load on the leg is a serious reason to see an orthopedist.
Treatment in the initial stages of the disease consists of choosing comfortable shoes. It doesn't have to be orthopedic shoes. You can buy a comfortable pair of shoes with a small heel - up to 3-4 cm. Under no circumstances should you wear ballet flats - such shoes provoke the formation of flat feet, and, as a result, curvature of the foot. Your doctor may recommend the use of orthotics. He will help you select them individually to correct the patient’s arch. Insoles are inserted into shoes and worn daily.
Various types of thumb clamps have proven themselves to be quite good. They can be replaced with special tires, bandages, inter-finger rollers, and ties. With the help of these orthopedic devices, the thumb arches and the ligament gradually gets used to its normal position.
Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment, which include massage procedures, electrophoresis in combination with painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, mud therapy, greatly alleviate the symptoms, but getting rid of the bone only with their help is very difficult. The doctor will also advise you to normalize your weight to reduce the stress on your joints. A special set of exercises will help strengthen the ligaments. If the bone is very painful, the doctor recommends the use of anti-inflammatory ointments (nimesulide, diclofenac, ibuprofen). And for inflammatory processes, corticosteroid injections are prescribed.
Since most people do not consider hallux valgus to be a huge problem, they usually go to the clinic in the last stages of the disease, when conservative treatment will no longer help. Modern medicine has hundreds of types of such operations. They are divided into three groups: soft tissue operations, bone tissue operations and combined surgery. The most common operations include the following:
Many people do not know what to do when a bunion appears on their feet. What to do in such cases and are there simple and effective ways to get rid of the bump? Before starting to solve the problem, you need to visit an orthopedist who will determine the cause of the pathology, establish a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. If the bone has only recently begun to grow, surgery will not be required. There are many effective folk methods that will help in the fight against the bump.
If a bone is growing on your foot, you can use a method that requires dandelions and honey. To prepare the product, you need to dry 100 g of plant flowers, place them in any container and completely fill them with iodine. The mixture should be infused for 4 days, after which the product can be applied to the affected areas. Before this, you need to steam your feet well in hot water. This medicine is applied to the bump with a mesh and left overnight. The course of treatment is 1-1.5 weeks.
To prevent the bone from starting to enlarge, you can try treatment with propolis. It is applied to the bone growth before bed, a bandage is made and left overnight. A good remedy is a compress based on propolis tincture. It should be noted that any treatment with folk remedies can only be successful if used regularly.
Why does the bone on my foot near my big toe hurt? - We are looking for the reason!
The most common cause of such pain is the development of changes in the joint connecting the metatarsal bone and the first phalanx bone of the big toe with the formation of a special condition called hallux valgus, or hallux valgus deformity of the big toe. 98% of all cases of such foot changes are observed in women.
This is explained by the peculiarities of the hormonal status - the predominance of estrogens over testosterones. Estrogens promote the breakdown of connective tissue, causing the arch of the foot to flatten.
However, such a development is typical only for women with a hereditary predisposition or the presence of predisposing factors, for example, prolonged wearing of heels.
This condition is characterized by deviation of the first metatarsal bone towards the inner edge of the foot with the formation of a “bump”, and the big toe changes its direction and bends towards the other toes, positioning itself almost perpendicularly.
The finger deformity develops gradually and becomes permanent.
This leads to a change in the normal anatomical and functional structure of the foot. Inflammation occurs in the deformed joint, which answers the question: “Why do the bones on the big toe hurt?” Pain occurs first with physical activity and then at rest.
The formation of hallux valgus deformity occurs over a long period of time. The initial period of changes in the joint is always hidden and occurs at a very young age, and the first signs of the disease become noticeable only after 40 years, which sharply reduces therapeutic possibilities, i.e. response to treatment.
Characteristic changes in the shape of the foot usually develop in old age. At this time, they are not functional disorders, but organic ones, in which medicinal methods of influence are ineffective.
The main cause of hallux valgus is the transverse “curvature” of the forefoot, or, in other words, transverse flatfoot. It is most predisposed to it by wearing heels more than 3-4 cm in height.
In general, the reasons that contribute to the formation of transverse flatfoot can be divided into internal and external. Internal causes are those that depend on the condition of the osteoarticular apparatus.
This means that these include disorders of the development or structure of the bones, muscles and ligaments of the foot; diseases of the foot joints, general diseases. More specifically, the list of internal causal factors is as follows:
External causes leading to the development of transverse flatfoot are associated with constant overload of the forefoot, which occurs when wearing high-heeled shoes and/or narrow shoes. The latter leads to impaired blood circulation and, accordingly, to disruption of the functioning of the constituent elements of the foot.
Normally, when walking, the load is distributed over 3 points of the foot:
When wearing heels, the load shifts forward, with most of the load falling on the middle of the foot, and the pressure on the 1st and 5th toes is reduced. When walking, the foot spreads out - the middle metatarsal bones remain in place, and the metatarsal bone of the big toe rotates and moves towards the edge of the foot (in relation to the anatomical location - medially, that is, towards the midline of the body).
At the same time, the thumb deviates outward, i.e. to the remaining toes.
The combination of frequent and prolonged wearing of such shoes with existing internal factors leads to the gradual formation of anterior flat feet, and then Hallux valgus.
Of course, the development of a big toe deformity is not guaranteed for all women who wear high heels. However, it is necessary to think about this with constant increased load on the legs, as well as for those with “Egyptian” foot type.
Foot type can be determined visually and with x-rays. Normally there are three of them:
According to orthopedists , a long first toe is combined with a short first metatarsal bone, which has a direct functional connection with the development of hallux valgus. Therefore, with “Egyptian foot” it is better to avoid narrow “stiletto heels”. If you need to wear them, then you should wear such shoes only directly at the event. Before this, wear orthopedic shoes with heels less than 3 cm.
Of course, the development of transverse flatfoot is facilitated by an increase in the load on the foot due to excess weight. Heavy body weight is disproportionate to the load that the foot can withstand.
Therefore, at a certain stage, its compensatory capabilities are disrupted, which is accompanied by the formation of transverse flatfoot.
If the big bone of the big toe hurts, then the pain caused by hallux valgus must be differentiated from the pain that occurs with gout, a disease when uric acid accumulates in the joints, most often in the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the leg. Pain due to gout has the following characteristics:
Localization of pain in the first metatarsophalangeal joint is most typical for men . In women, gout usually affects the first metacarpophalangeal joint of the hand.
It is imperative to think about the health of your feet for women who have experienced discomfort when wearing familiar, previously comfortable shoes, and also have difficulty choosing new shoes and, if the shoes are at the level of the joint of 1 toe, have begun to deform in the form of a “bump.”
Some sources distinguish these stages of the disease as cosmetic or preclinical. The angle of deflection of the finger is no more than 20° (normal deviation of 1 finger is 10°).
The second stage is characterized by the appearance of pain after walking. The angle of deviation in the joint ranges from 20-29o. At this stage, corns appear opposite the 2nd and 3rd toes, as well as calluses in the interphalangeal spaces of these toes, which signal an increasing load on the middle of the foot.
The third stage , in addition to increased frequency and intensification of pain, is manifested by an increase in the angle of deviation of the thumb to 30-39o and the appearance of curvature of 2 and/or 3 fingers in the form of “hammers”. A symptom such as “rigidity of the forefoot” also appears, that is, the foot loses its springy properties and its transverse size decreases. Pain at this stage is constant and highly intense.
At the fourth stage of hallux valgus, the angle of deviation of the finger reaches more than 40°, and severe inflammation develops in the affected joint. The skin in the lump area is rough, thickened and inflamed. The pain forces me to wear only soft, spacious shoes. Because of this, women have a very strong “complex” - they cannot wear beautiful shoes and other types of footwear.
If there are no symptoms, but there is a desire to check the likelihood of developing the disease, then the podometry method will be informative, in which the foot is measured and the podometric index is calculated - the ratio of the length of the foot to its height:
Currently, this method has become computerized and more accurate. Previously, it was done manually, so there was a certain percentage of measurement error.
If signs of flat feet are detected, it is necessary to regularly perform gymnastics for the feet for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a day:
The therapeutic effect of these gymnastic activities can be achieved if you perform them regularly. Without a systematic approach, the result will not be noticeable.
Initial manifestations of thumb deformation can be corrected with the help of orthopedic devices: insoles and interdigital spacers; apply foot massage and physiotherapy.
Such influences do not eliminate the cause of the disease, so it will not be possible to get rid of a “bunion on the foot” at home. This complex condition should be treated by an orthopedic surgeon.
When the bones of the big toes hurt, treatment is usually carried out in combination. Particular attention is paid to weight loss, exercise therapy, optimization of daily routine and work, and optimal time for wearing high-heeled shoes.
For pain relief, it is possible to use non-steroidal drugs with anti-inflammatory activity, but they are prescribed to elderly patients with caution, taking into account the presence of concomitant diseases.
Some non-steroids, such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, when used for 4-6 months lead to worsening cartilage destruction, so their long-term use is undesirable.
They are used only as a temporary measure of pain relief - until the cause is eliminated.
According to the latest data , in the treatment of hallux valgus, accompanied by the development of osteoarthrosis with pain, structural analogues of cartilage are widely used: chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate (or glucosamine chloride).
These drugs are well tolerated, proven effective and highly safe, especially in elderly patients. Such drugs include: Dona, Structum, Teraflex, etc.
However, no drugs eliminate bone deformation, so surgical treatment of Hallux valgus is so far the only truly effective one. The choice of technique depends on the degree of foot deformity.
In the initial stages, surgery to strengthen the tendons may be sufficient. Later stages require intervention in the bone structures to strengthen and fix the bones, and remove bone deformities. After the operation, the patient undergoes a long course of rehabilitation.
Unfortunately, in 30% of cases, even after surgical treatment, the disease may return. Strict adherence to the recommendations of the attending physician to optimize foot health allows you to preserve the achieved result as much as possible.
This article talks about an injury such as a broken big toe. Symptoms and treatment methods are described.
A broken toe is a fairly common injury. Despite its apparent simplicity, such damage can lead to the development of unpleasant complications.
Anyone can break their big toe, regardless of gender, age or occupation.
There can be several reasons for a fracture:
Conditions that lead to increased fragility of bone tissue can predispose a finger to a fracture. These include osteoporosis, gout, osteomyelitis, thyroid pathology, diabetes mellitus, and cancer.
Like any injury, a fracture of the big toe in a child or adult is classified according to a number of characteristics.
Table No. 1. Types of big toe fracture:
Depending on the type, the symptoms of a big toe fracture will vary and appropriate treatment will be required.
All signs of a big toe fracture can be divided into two groups. The first group of symptoms includes those that are characteristic of any leg injury. The second group includes those signs that are present only during a fracture.
Table No. 2. Signs of a big toe fracture:
Symptoms will also vary depending on the location of the damage. A fracture of the base of the big toe is accompanied by swelling and hematoma in the area where the toe and foot join, and spread to the dorsum of the foot. In this case, it is painful for the patient to step on his foot, which impairs motor function.
A fracture of the nail phalanx of the thumb is characterized by less severe pain. Swelling and hematoma are localized in the area of the nail plate and can spread to the middle of the finger.
Knowing what a fracture of the big toe looks like, you can promptly send the victim to the emergency room.
A fracture of the base of the big toe, if treated incorrectly or untimely, can lead to some complications:
To avoid the development of these conditions, you need to know how to identify a fracture of the big toe and provide the person with qualified medical care.
How to reliably determine a fracture of the big toe?
For this, a set of diagnostic measures is used, the main of which is x-ray examination:
What does a big toe fracture look like on an x-ray? The image shows the location and nature of the fracture line, the presence of freely lying fragments, and their displacement relative to each other.
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are used relatively rarely, mainly when an intra-articular fracture of the big toe is suspected. They can also be used to determine damage to soft tissues and ligaments.
To diagnose and begin treatment for an injury, the patient must be taken to an emergency room. To do this, it is recommended to call an ambulance, but it is also possible to independently transport the person to a medical facility. Before transportation begins, first aid must be provided.
A fracture of the big toe joint requires the following initial treatment measures:
After the measures are taken, the patient is transported to a medical facility by personal car or ambulance. A specialist will tell you more about first aid measures in the video in this article.
How to treat a fractured big toe? Treatment tactics will depend on the severity of the fracture.
A closed fracture of the first phalanx of the big toe, without displacement of fragments, does not require surgical intervention. The doctor applies a plaster for a fracture of the big toe, after 3-4 weeks a control X-ray is taken and the plaster is removed.
A fracture with displaced fragments needs to be treated longer. After local anesthesia with novocaine, closed reduction of the fragments is carried out, and a fracture fixator is put on for the big toe.
A control radiograph is taken to assess the correctness of the reposition. If reduction cannot be performed using the closed method, treatment of a fracture of the big toe is carried out using skeletal traction. They apply it for two weeks. If the dynamics are positive, the traction is removed and a cast is applied to the fracture of the big toe for a month.
A marginal fracture of the nail phalanx of the big toe requires only fixation with a splint and bandages. It grows together within 3-4 weeks. After removing the splint, use a bandage for a fracture of the big toe until its function is completely restored.
Surgical intervention is required for a comminuted fracture. Bone fragments are fixed with metal screws or plates. After this, a drainage is installed in the wound and a splint is applied for a fracture of the big toe. The wound is treated with antiseptics daily.
Sick leave for a broken toe is mandatory. Its duration depends on the severity of the damage, the minimum period is 30 days.
How to treat a fractured big toe with medications? Drug therapy is auxiliary and is aimed at eliminating pain and accelerating fracture healing.
How to numb a broken toe? Since the pain syndrome is moderate, it can be eliminated with non-narcotic analgesics - Ketorol, Nise. They can be administered intramuscularly or in tablet forms.
Callus formation can be stimulated with the help of calcium supplements. You can buy them at any pharmacy, the price is quite reasonable. The course of treatment is at least a month.
Rehabilitation after a fracture of the big toe should begin in the hospital. It is continued for another two months after discharge.
Rehabilitation measures include:
Exercise therapy exercises are prescribed by the doctor in the hospital, then the patient is given instructions according to which he can perform gymnastics at home.
To regenerate bone tissue, the patient requires not only calcium supplements, but also proper nutrition. The diet should include protein foods, cheese, cottage cheese, and milk. You will need to exclude alcohol, sweets, fatty and fried foods.
For the first time after discharge from the hospital, you need to limit physical activity. You will need to wear a big toe brace for several weeks if you have a fracture. It provides rest to the injured finger and serves as prevention of recurrence of the fracture. You can purchase a big toe brace for a fracture in orthopedic stores.
After complete healing and restoration of limb function, one should not forget that a person will need the right shoes if the big toe is broken. It should be as comfortable and stable as possible.
An injury such as a broken big toe heals quite well and complications rarely occur. The prognosis will be favorable with timely diagnosis, quality treatment and full implementation of rehabilitation measures.