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Hi, My Name Is Emma. I'm Irish But Am Currently
Question: Hi, my name is Emma. I'm Irish but am currently in the Philippines. I believe I've recently broken my toe - my baby toe. About 8 days ago. The swelling hasn't gone down much yet. When I initially hurt it I checked for a tear in the skin and couldn't find anything. But now it looks like there is a tear in the skin (I noticed it about 2/3 days after the initial break) - I've been putting disinfectant on and taking anti inflammatories. It's hard to keep it completely clean here as I wear flip flops all the time and plasters will not stay on. I'm currently very far from any doctor or hospital in the Philippines and the transport options are brutal. I'm just wondering about advice. Should I be doing anything more? It has felt okay the last few days, however yesterday I had a lot day in and out of the water in a Canyon. Today it's been very painful and more swollen.
Brief Answer:
? BROKEN TOE
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX .....
Welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.
I am Dr Ajeet XXXXXXX
I have gone through your query and here is my opinion.
Symptoms of a broken toe include pain,tenderness,redness, swelling,stiffness,bruising,discoloration,deformity,difficultly in standing,bearing weight and walking.
In the absence of an x ray or a clinical examination,it will be difficult for you to differentiate between a broken toe and a soft tissue injury-sprain.
Both have almost similar clinical presentation.
Only evident difference between a fracture and sprain is the location of the pain.
A fracture pain is more localized to the fractured site where as pain of sprain is more generalized,through out the toe.
Other way to know whether the toe is broken is by putting weight on the foot.
If walking is possible with out pain or limp,it is unlikely to have broken.
Why don't you share an image?
In any case,you should continue to take over-the-counter analgesics and anti inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.(on round the clock basis and not as and when required)
Also apply ice packs.
As you have a skin tear,you are exposed to infection,for which you can take an antibiotic like Amoxycilline 500 mg thrice a day(in addition to the local application of disinfectant you are using).
Over activity might be bad for your toe.
Your toe would be more tender and swelling will increase if you continue to bear body weight and ambulate.
Give rest to your feet.
You should avoid standing for long hours,walking and running.
Rest and limb elevation are the hallmark of treatment for such injuries.
Splinting and taping a suspected fractured toe would help to alleviate pain,mantain alignment and promote recovery.
Get the broken toe taped and secured to the next toe with a medical tape (called buddy taping).Place a gauze pad between both the toes to prevent fricture and skin irritation.
The intact toe would work as a splint,would supports it and will keep the broken toe immobilized.
Hope that I have answered your query.
If you have any doubts,please let me know.
Happy living.
Regards.
? BROKEN TOE
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX .....
Welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.
I am Dr Ajeet XXXXXXX
I have gone through your query and here is my opinion.
Symptoms of a broken toe include pain,tenderness,redness, swelling,stiffness,bruising,discoloration,deformity,difficultly in standing,bearing weight and walking.
In the absence of an x ray or a clinical examination,it will be difficult for you to differentiate between a broken toe and a soft tissue injury-sprain.
Both have almost similar clinical presentation.
Only evident difference between a fracture and sprain is the location of the pain.
A fracture pain is more localized to the fractured site where as pain of sprain is more generalized,through out the toe.
Other way to know whether the toe is broken is by putting weight on the foot.
If walking is possible with out pain or limp,it is unlikely to have broken.
Why don't you share an image?
In any case,you should continue to take over-the-counter analgesics and anti inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.(on round the clock basis and not as and when required)
Also apply ice packs.
As you have a skin tear,you are exposed to infection,for which you can take an antibiotic like Amoxycilline 500 mg thrice a day(in addition to the local application of disinfectant you are using).
Over activity might be bad for your toe.
Your toe would be more tender and swelling will increase if you continue to bear body weight and ambulate.
Give rest to your feet.
You should avoid standing for long hours,walking and running.
Rest and limb elevation are the hallmark of treatment for such injuries.
Splinting and taping a suspected fractured toe would help to alleviate pain,mantain alignment and promote recovery.
Get the broken toe taped and secured to the next toe with a medical tape (called buddy taping).Place a gauze pad between both the toes to prevent fricture and skin irritation.
The intact toe would work as a splint,would supports it and will keep the broken toe immobilized.
Hope that I have answered your query.
If you have any doubts,please let me know.
Happy living.
Regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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