What Causes Persistent Pain And Deviation Of The Toe After Injury?

Posted on Tue, 7 Feb 2017

Tue, 7 Feb 2017 Answered on

Thu, 2 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm pretty sure I fractured my left pinky toe 3-4 weeks ago after hitting it against a wooden leg of a chair. It now bends to the left at an angle of 30+ degrees. I did not tape it. Honestly, until my recent Botox injections for daily chronic migraines, it seemed a minor inconvenience. Now that I have no migraine, I'm not sure if the pain is worse or I simply notice it more now. I was wearing my dansko shoes (hard sole shoes often worn by nurses) which helped. I can no longer wear them without pain. After the incident, there was bruising underneath the last two toes and down the left side of the foot as well as on the right side of the injured toe. I have been wearing wide toed running shoes and have been walking through the pain. I really want to play tennis but am unsure if this will make the injury worse - I'm sure it won't help the pain. I don't mind the pain so much so long as it's temporary but would appreciate any feedback you may have. Other than being red and experiencing pain with certain movements and activities, it looks normal. Do I tape it and wait it out. Would I be crazy to even contemplate trying to play tennis? Would not be able to compete right now but would like to at least hit or get a lesson. Any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get an X-ray done.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A persistent pain and deviation of the toe is suggestive of a fracture or dislocation. Just taping the toe now is not sufficient as the dislocation needs to be corrected for the pain to reduce. You need to get an X-ray of the toe done and then decide the further course of treatment. Do not try to put weight on the toe or play tennis. Avoid all painful activities and give rest to it till then.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 days later)

Thank you for your help. Went to Dr's care. PA said it was probably fractured or chipped. Said even though it bends in opposite direction, it goes back to normal position. He said X-Ray wont change anything and i should ice, stay off of it if possible. Said playing tennis will cause pain but he thinks it is healing and wont do further damage. Geez. Waste of time, i guess. He documented it as a contusion but stated otherwise. Do you agree with the PA's prognosis?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes. I do agree.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.

If on examination there is no dislocation then it is probably fractured or chipped. It is best to tape it for 3-4 weeks in neutral position.

Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
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. Arnab Banerjee