Dislocated Toe
Overview
Causes
This injury is caused by trauma from:
- A force that jams the end of the toe
- Forcefully twisting or bending the toe
- Forcefully bending the toe backwards
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Problems may be:
- Pain
- Swelling and bruising
- A change in the way the toe looks
- Problems moving the toe
Treatments
Treatment
It may take up to 8 weeks to recover. It depends on which toe was injured and how severe it was. The goals of treatment are to put the bones of the toe back into place and to promote healing.
The bones can be put back in place:
- Without surgery—anesthesia will be used to decrease pain while the doctor puts the bones back into place
- With surgery (rare)—an incision will be made to put the bones back into place and to repair any damaged ligaments
Other treatment may include:
- Medicines to ease pain and swelling
- Home care, such as applying ice packs and keeping the foot raised
- Providing support, such as taping the toe to a nearby healthy toe or wearing a splint, cast, walking boot, or using crutches for more severe injuries
- Physical therapy to help with strength, flexibility, and range of motion
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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