Suggest Treatment For Hairline Fracture In The Toe Bone

Posted on Mon, 29 Aug 2016

Question: Yesterday I noticed pain on walking in my second toe of my right foot. It looked like my toe was drawn downward and it hurt when I tried to lift it back up into normal position. The pain extended into the foot area somewhat- there might have been a slight swelling in the foot near the toe. I soaked the foot in warm water thinking it was a type of muscle spasm. This morning upon awakening, I noticed the same area was tender on movement, but there was redness that had advanced about half way up the top of my foot, with a little more swelling. But, I could walk a little easier than yesterday, although it does hurt when lifting my 2nd toe. I am going to try ice today. Do you think that is a good idea, and what do you think it is. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You need to apply ice and take Advil

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I think you may have hairline fracture in the toe bone. It is causing pain and swelling. You have done another mistake by applying hot water fomentation. I have following suggestions for you.
1.Get x ray to see if their is any hair line fracture or not. Some time there can be hairline fracture with very trivial trauma and specially in post menopausal women with osteoporotic bones.
2.Take Ice in a bucket and keep your feet in it.
3.Take advil for pain relief. You can take Brufen also.
4.You may need Buddy splinting . In this we do strapping of injured toe with near by toe.
thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj