Fracture of the big toe. Signs, symptoms, how much heals, how quickly to cure, whether a cast is needed, rehabilitation

Of all leg injuries are more common in the big toe fracture. In most cases, physical stress is the main cause. Knowing the first clinical signs of a pathological condition, you can promptly go to the hospital and get medical help.

Failure to properly select therapy under the supervision of a traumatologist will lead to serious consequences and complications.

Common causes of thumb fractures

Provoking factors contribute to a decrease in the strength and elasticity of bone tissue, as a result of which its resistance to various influences worsens.

Fractures of the thumb on the lower extremity are common injuries that occur for the following reasons:

• strong and sharp blow to the leg;
• stumbling when walking or running;
• injury to the lower limb as a result of being driven by a car;
• falling on the leg;
• fast, sharp and uneven bending of the foot;
• sports, work or household injury;
• strong squeezing of the foot;
• heavy loads during sports activities on the lower extremities;
• dislocation and subluxation of the foot.

A fracture of the big toe can be provoked by a disease of the musculoskeletal system (osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, tuberculosis, oncological pathologies, immunodeficiency). The same goes for various injuries to the lower extremities. Hereditary diseases are a provoking factor that negatively affects the condition of the bones.

Injury classification and signs

Given the source of the pathological condition and the reason against which the big toe fracture occurred, there is a certain classification of the injury:

Name	Description
Open	Injury in which the integrity of the bone, skin, blood vessels, muscles, and tendons is compromised. In this situation, there is a high risk of infection entering the bloodstream.
Closed	In most cases, patients are diagnosed with an intra-articular fracture.
Offset	Trauma is accompanied by a deviation of the bone structure from its normal location. The damaged bones rest against each other or are displaced to the sides. During a fracture, muscle fibers reflexively contract, and the nail phalanx goes inward.
No offset	A minor injury that is treated with fixation of the broken bone.
Complete, incomplete	Incomplete damage to the thumb is characterized by a crack in the bone tissue or fractures with the preservation of the entire structure of the bone. A complete fracture can be with the division of the bone into several parts. Often this damage is accompanied by displacement.
Simple	A finger fracture occurs at the site of direct mechanical impact.
Complex	Violation of the integrity of the bone does not occur at the site of impact. It also breaks in several places at once. A rare type of injury to the big toe.
Intra-articular	Frequent injury that occurs as a result of a strong impact on a hard surface. The integrity of the cartilaginous elements is violated, and soft tissues are damaged. An intra-articular fracture requires surgery and the installation of a wire to fix the broken elements.

In each case, a fracture of the thumb of the lower extremity is accompanied by characteristic clinical symptoms. This is a severe pain syndrome, an increase in local body temperature, the appearance of edema and redness of soft tissues, as well as impaired mobility. A traumatologist will help to establish an accurate diagnosis. The specialist will conduct an examination and prescribe treatment.

The difference between a fracture and a bruise

Numerous falls and bumps also provoke bruises on the big toe. It is necessary to know the symptoms of a pathological condition in order to distinguish a leg injury and to go to the hospital for help in a timely manner.

The symptoms of a bruise are as follows:

• pain syndrome subsides after a while, and with a fracture there are constant acute painful sensations;
• with a bruise, soft tissues do not swell immediately, after a certain period of time;
• a hematoma appears under the skin or nail plate due to a violation of the integrity of the blood vessels;
• the mobility of the finger is impaired only with a fracture.

  

In some situations, after a bruised thumb, the nail exfoliates. Treatment of such an injury is carried out with special ointments, antiseptics and pain relievers. A traumatologist will help to establish an accurate diagnosis and choose the most effective treatment.

First aid for fracture

A broken big toe is not a harmless injury. The prognosis of the injury depends on the first aid provided.

The victim needs the following assistance:

1. Call an ambulance.
2. Lay the person in a horizontal position.
3. Raise your leg, put a roller or clothes under it.
4. Apply a cold compress if there are no open wounds.
5. An open fracture requires the use of antiseptics and a protective bandage.
6. It is important to completely immobilize the injured finger.

A person should be transported in a horizontal position, half-sitting or reclining. If severe painful sensations appear, the victim can be given pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Nimesil).

Which doctor should I go to?

The diagnosis and treatment of the big toe is performed by a traumatologist. The specialist conducts an examination, establishes a preliminary diagnosis.

If necessary, appoints additional diagnostic measures:

Name	Description
X-ray	The examination is performed in two views to determine the thumb injury, fracture and its exact location.
Computed tomography (CT)	A diagnostic method that allows you to get the most accurate image of bone structures. Carried out in case of ineffectiveness of the X-ray.

Based on the diagnostic results obtained, the doctor selects the most effective treatment and gives certain recommendations for the rehabilitation period.

Thumb fracture treatment

A fracture of the big toe is treated with complex methods. Taking into account the patient's condition and the trauma received, the victim is selected special drugs. Skeletal traction, immobilization of the injured limb is carried out. In difficult situations, a plaster cast is applied or surgery is performed.

Therapy

Medicines are selected by a traumatologist, taking into account the patient's condition and the characteristics of the injury. It is important to take medications strictly according to the scheme, since many of them cause side effects.

Drug group	Name	Application
Pain medications	Ketorol, Nimesulide	Medicines reduce pain. The tablets are kept in the mouth until they are completely dissolved, if necessary, washed down with water. The adult recommended dosage is 10 mg up to 4 times a day. The course of therapy lasts 5 days.
Antibacterial agents	Amoxiclav, Azithromycin	Medicines are prescribed for an open fracture to prevent the addition of a secondary infection. The drug is dissolved in a glass of water or kept in the mouth. The adult dosage depends on the severity of the disease and is 1 tablet every 8-12 hours. The course of therapy lasts 14 days.

In rare cases, with severe pain syndrome, the victim is prescribed narcotic analgesics. Do not ignore the recommendations of a traumatologist in order to avoid serious complications.

Other treatments

Therapy for a fracture of the big toe is selected by the victim, taking into account the results of the diagnosis and existing contraindications.

The following methods are used:

Name	Description
Closed reduction	Treatment is carried out in the case of a closed fracture without displacement. Before the procedure, the injured finger is treated with antiseptic agents. The technician then extends the finger and returns it to its normal position. The procedure, if necessary, is repeated several times.
Skeletal traction	It is carried out with a pronounced displacement of bone fragments. The doctor passes a metal needle through the nail plate. On the one hand, it holds the load, on the other hand, it maintains the normal position of the bone fragments. After the procedure, the foot is immobilized.
Open methods	The surgeon performs osteosynthesis. Secures bone fragments with special metal elements. The broken parts of the bone are connected, and its correct shape is restored. Open reduction is performed for all open and multi-splintered closed fractures. The operation also allows you to eliminate complications that have arisen against the background of the treatment.
Surgical intervention	The operation is indicated for patients who have an open fracture of the big toe or in case of crushing of the phalanx. During surgery, the doctor restores the physiological position of the finger. To fix the fragments, knitting needles, plates, screws are used.

The injured finger must be constantly treated with disinfectants to prevent infection from entering the wound.

Features of immobilization. Do you need plaster cast?

When the big toe is fractured, it is important that the bones heal properly. For complete immobilization, a plaster cast is suitable, which quickly hardens and can be easily removed. The average wearing period is 3-4 weeks, with open fractures 5-6 weeks.

It all depends on the severity of the injury and the area of ​​damage. It is important to immobilize the fingers as much as possible; for this, a plaster cast is applied to the entire foot and a third of the lower leg.

For a slight injury to the thumb, a splint or polymer materials are used. A minor injury, such as a crack, does not require a plaster cast.

Rehabilitation after fracture

The recovery period after a big toe fracture takes 4-8 weeks, if all the recommendations of the traumatologist are followed correctly and strictly.

Physiotherapy

A fracture of the big toe is treated with complex methods. After therapy, patients need to undergo rehabilitation, which includes attending physiotherapy procedures.

Name	Description
Interference currents	A physiotherapy method that improves blood circulation, activates regeneration processes and eliminates hematomas.
UHF therapy	Treatment can help you recover quickly from a broken thumb. Pain syndrome decreases, tissue trophism and material metabolism, blood circulation improve.
Magnetic therapy	The magnetic field prevents the development of bone diseases. Promotes the regeneration process, reduces swelling.

Ozokerite baths and salt baths help to recover faster after a thumb fracture. The local inflammatory reaction decreases, the likelihood of post-traumatic complications decreases.

Massage

At the first stage of rehabilitation, it is recommended to carry out self-massage by light stroking the finger, squeezing it. It is important that there is no discomfort and pain. The massage improves blood circulation in the damaged area and prevents muscle fiber atrophy. The duration of each session should not be less than 10 minutes. the course of treatment includes 10-15 massage procedures.

Exercises

Physiotherapy exercises are indicated for victims after treatment to restore the functions and mobility of the injured finger. The first time the exercise is recommended to be performed for 15-20 minutes, then increase their duration to 40-60 minutes.

Effective Exercises:

1. Fingering or picking up small objects with your fingers. It is recommended to perform the exercise for 15-30 minutes, then take a break.
2. It is recommended to squeeze and unclench your fingers.
3. In a standing position, raise and lower your fingers. The exercise is recommended to be performed for 15-20 minutes.
4. Slowly rise on tiptoes, then return to the starting position. Stand on the whole foot. To maintain balance, you can lean on the back of a chair during this exercise.

At first, remedial gymnastics is necessarily carried out under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Exercise helps to develop the joints of the toes, they also restore the elasticity of muscle fibers, ligaments.

To achieve a stable therapeutic effect, gymnastics is performed regularly for 6 months. It is important to adhere to all the instructor's recommendations in order to prevent the development of possible complications after a big toe fracture.

Folk remedies

Prescriptions of healers and healers are also used in the complex therapy of a fracture of the big toe. Bone tissue regeneration is facilitated by warming compresses and relaxing foot baths. It is important to discuss the use of folk remedies with your doctor, since many of the components used can provoke side effects or an allergic reaction.

Effective alternative medicine for a fractured big toe:

Name	Recipe	Application
Field horsetail	Pour 1 tbsp. herbs with hot water (1 tbsp.). Leave for 30 minutes and strain.	The medicine removes edema well. The finished product is recommended to be consumed inside 1/3 tbsp. 3 times a day.
Clay	Dilute 1 tbsp. clay 1 tbsp. hot water.	The resulting mass is recommended to be taken 3 times a day before meals for 30 minutes. The medicine reduces inflammation, replenishes the deficiency of calcium, silicon and other essential elements for bones.
Onion broth	Peel and wash 2 medium onions. Grind and fry in sunflower oil. Pour the resulting mass with hot water (1 l), put on fire and heat for 10 minutes. Cool and strain the onion broth.	The finished product is recommended to be taken 3 times a day for 1 tbsp. before meals for 30 minutes.
Herbal collection	Mix in equal proportions St. John's wort, chamomile, valerian. Pour 1 tbsp. herbal collection with boiling water (1 tbsp.). Put the resulting mass on a small fire, heat for 2-5 minutes and cool for 20 minutes.	The strained broth is recommended to be taken fresh and warm. The resulting volume of medication must be drunk in 3 doses during the day. The herbal collection reduces inflammation, swelling and pain.

Eggshells will help replenish calcium reserves in the body. It is necessary to dry it well, grind it to powder and take 0.5 tsp with food. 3 times a day. You can float your legs after the fracture is completely healed. It is recommended to add herbal decoctions, sea salt to the water.

How long does a big toe fracture heal?

How quickly a thumb fracture heals depends on numerous circumstances. The localization of the injury, the individual characteristics of the human body are important here. On average, a thumb fracture heals within 3-4 weeks. The traumatologist will be able to say for sure by taking an X-ray picture after removing the plaster cast.

A fracture of the big toe heals without complications if a specific growth is formed at the site of the violation of the integrity of the bone. The restoration of mobility is also an indication that the victim is recovering.

Why does it grow badly?

A bony outgrowth forms at the site of a normally healing fracture of the thumb. In some situations, recovery and healing takes a long time.

This is due to the following circumstances:

• insufficient amount of calcium in the body;
• the victim has chronic diseases;
• general weakness and exhaustion of the body is observed.

Osteoporosis also slows down the healing process of a fractured big toe. The disease affects the connective tissue and reduces the strength of the bones of the lower and upper extremities, their structure is disrupted.

Complications and consequences

Most victims are in no hurry to go to the hospital with a fractured big toe, delaying the healing process.

In some situations, the lack of timely and correct therapy leads to serious consequences:

Name	Description
Callus	The pathological condition is characterized by the growth of bone tissue at the site of the fracture. It is accompanied by a chronic inflammatory process and pain syndrome. Clinical signs are especially exacerbated during atmospheric changes.
False joint	It occurs as a result of an offset fracture of the big toe. The chronic inflammatory process provokes periodic exacerbations.
Gangrene	The disease occurs after infection of an open fracture or as a result of impaired blood circulation against the background of improper bone fusion. Untimely therapy can lead to the removal of not only a finger, but also a whole limb.

Ankylosis and osteomyelitis are also a complication of a big toe fracture. Visible curvatures of the finger appear, which disrupt its functioning and mobility.

A thumb fracture cannot be left without the help of a traumatologist. In some situations, incorrectly fused bones on the leg are difficult to restore even with the help of surgery. A person will be constantly worried about problems with the musculoskeletal system.

Toe fracture video

How to identify a fractured toe: