Dislocated Toe
Overview
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and how the injury occurred. A physical exam will be done. The toe joint and foot will be closely examined. The doctor will most likely be able to diagnose a dislocation based on the exam.
X-rays may be done to make sure the bones are back in their correct place or to look for other damage, such as a fracture.
Treatments
Treatment
Initial Care
Emergency care may be needed to safely guide the bone back into place. The doctor can usually guide the bones back in to place by hand. Anesthesia may be used to reduce pain and anxiety. Severe injuries may require surgery to reposition the bones or repair support tissue.
Recovery Steps
After the toe bones are put back into place, recovery will include:
After the toe bones are put back into place, recovery will include:
- Support such as taping toe to nearby healthy toe or splint, cast, walking boot, or crutches for more severe injuries
- Self-care, such as using ice packs and keeping the foot elevated
- Exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion
- Slow return to normal activity as tolerated
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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a (Toe dislocation)
RESOURCES
Foot Health Facts—American College Foot and Ankle Surgeons https://www.foothealthfacts.org
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons https://orthoinfo.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine https://casem-acmse.org
When it Hurts to Move—Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation https://whenithurtstomove.org
References
Dislocated toe. Sports Injury Clinic website. Available at: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/foot-heel-pain/dislocated-toe-1. Accessed November 10, 2017.
Dislocation. University of Minnesota medical Center website. Available at: https://www.mhealth.org/care/conditions/dislocation. Accessed November 10, 2017.
Overview of musculoskeletal injuries. The Merck Manual Professional Edition website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries%5Fpoisoning/fractures%5Fdislocations%5Fand%5Fsprains/overview%5Fof%5Fmusculoskeletal%5Finjuries.html. Updated August 2017. Accessed November 10, 2017.