Toe fractures, Orthopedics FAQ

Share to:
Choosing Between Steel Nails and Plates for Toe Fracture Surgery

Should a toe fracture be treated with a nail or a plate? Hello, doctor. I was in a car accident on December 4th, and the emergency department diagnosed a closed fracture at the second phalanx of my right big toe. I underwent surgery on December 5th. During my follow-up appointmen...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, toe fractures are generally not as severe as finger fractures. Typically, as long as the fracture is stabilized, it can heal properly. Usually, toe fractures rarely require self-funded plates, but it also depends on the severity of your fracture. If possible, please visit ...

[Read More] Choosing Between Steel Nails and Plates for Toe Fracture Surgery


Understanding Non-Displaced Closed Fractures of the Toes: Treatment Options

Non-displaced closed fracture of the toe? Hello, Doctor. I slipped and hit an object, resulting in pain and bruising in the last three toes of my left foot. Four days after the injury, I visited an orthopedic specialist, and X-rays revealed fractures in both the fourth and fifth ...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Toe fractures typically heal on their own, and there is no evidence to suggest that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment is effective.

[Read More] Understanding Non-Displaced Closed Fractures of the Toes: Treatment Options


Managing Pain While Wearing a Cast for a Toe Fracture

Wearing a cast can actually cause pain? Due to an accident, I sustained a fracture of the fifth toe on my left foot and have been wearing an L-shaped cast for healing. It has been approximately three weeks, but recently, after wearing the cast for a while, I have been experiencin...


Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, for toe fractures, if a cast is not used, weight-bearing on the toe should be avoided; however, closer monitoring is required to check for any displacement of the fracture. Changhua Hospital cares about your health, Wang Shou-ji.

[Read More] Managing Pain While Wearing a Cast for a Toe Fracture


Understanding Toe Fractures: Common Aftereffects and Recovery Options

Toe fracture I fractured my little toe after kicking a table leg. The doctor used an aluminum splint to bind my little toe and the toe next to it together with a bandage for a month. After recovery, I found that I cannot independently spread the two toes apart; I have to do it ma...


Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, we still need to check if the fracture is healing, whether there is any deformity, and if there is any pain. Typically, as you mentioned, if there is no pain, it should not affect mobility. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.

[Read More] Understanding Toe Fractures: Common Aftereffects and Recovery Options


Understanding Toe Fractures: Healing Time and Treatment Options

Fracture of the little toe? On September 4th, I stubbed my toe and fractured the toe bone. The emergency treatment on the same day involved taping the fourth toe to the injured fifth toe. Two days later, on September 6th, I went to an orthopedic clinic for an X-ray, and the treat...


Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, if there is no significant deformity in the little toe, conservative treatment is usually sufficient, and it should heal within three months. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.

[Read More] Understanding Toe Fractures: Healing Time and Treatment Options


Understanding Toe Fractures: Healing Time and Treatment Options

Fracture of the little toe? On September 4th, I stubbed my toe and fractured the toe bone. The emergency treatment on the same day involved using tape to bind the fourth toe and the injured fifth toe. Two days later, on September 6th, I went to an orthopedic clinic for an X-ray, ...


Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, if there is no significant deformity in the little toe, conservative treatment is usually sufficient, and it should heal within three months. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Wang Shou-ji.

[Read More] Understanding Toe Fractures: Healing Time and Treatment Options


Understanding Persistent Pain and Swelling After Toe Fracture

Fractures from a car accident? Hello Doctor: I suffered a proximal phalanx fracture of my right big toe in a car accident on May 12th of this year. The following link contains my current X-ray images. The first metatarsophalangeal joint is still swollen and has not resolved, and ...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Toe fractures typically heal in about three months. Swelling may be related to poor circulation, and alternating between ice and heat therapy can help improve circulation. Generally, it takes around six months for full recovery, and continued observation is recommended.

[Read More] Understanding Persistent Pain and Swelling After Toe Fracture


Understanding Toe Fractures: Treatment, Recovery, and Pain Management

Toe fracture Hello Doctor: I have a 2 cm laceration on the third toe of my left foot with an open fracture that only underwent suturing. I have questions regarding dressing changes and medication: 1. Is there no need for surgery, a fixation plate, or other treatments? 2. Is it no...


Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Open fractures of the toes do not always require surgery, but special attention should be paid to the healing of the wound and any signs of infection. Stabilization can be achieved by wearing protective footwear, hard-soled shoes, or by taping the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th toes together ...

[Read More] Understanding Toe Fractures: Treatment, Recovery, and Pain Management


Fractured Toe: To Surgery or Not? Expert Advice on Recovery Options

Toe fracture Two days ago, I accidentally hit a concrete block on the edge of a large drainage ditch while riding my bike, resulting in a fracture of my second-to-last toe on my right foot. I went to the emergency room, and the doctor said that I could either have surgery or not....


Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Most toe fractures do not require surgery; however, it is essential for an orthopedic surgeon to evaluate the X-rays and recommend whether you should schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist for further assessment.

[Read More] Fractured Toe: To Surgery or Not? Expert Advice on Recovery Options


Can Toe Injuries Lead to Fractures or Cracks? Understanding Your Pain

Injury to the toe? Could this situation lead to a toe fracture or break? I occasionally experience sharp pain and am concerned that it might not just be a simple bruise. Thank you.


Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Excessive pressure on the toes can lead to fractures or breaks; however, toe fractures typically do not require surgery. Ice application and elevation for one week are usually sufficient. Additionally, the following methods can help alleviate pain.

[Read More] Can Toe Injuries Lead to Fractures or Cracks? Understanding Your Pain


Understanding Ulnar Styloid and Toe Fractures: Recovery and Treatment Insights

Ulnar styloid prominence and toe fractures? Hello Doctor: I am a 22-year-old male. On May 12, I had a car accident where I fell and braced myself with my hands, resulting in an ulnar styloid fracture of my right wrist and a proximal phalanx fracture of my right big toe. X-rays co...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Toe fractures typically heal in about three months. The physician's management is reasonable, and if walking is not painful, it is permissible to walk. 2. If there is suspicion of other injuries, further imaging studies are necessary, and then a consultation with a hand ...

[Read More] Understanding Ulnar Styloid and Toe Fractures: Recovery and Treatment Insights


Understanding Toe Fractures: Healing Time and Surgery Insights

Toe fracture Hello doctor, I fractured the bones in my toes 2, 3, and 4 on February 4th. I underwent surgery twice, with the second surgery around February 26th. Can having two surgeries lead to nonunion of the fracture? How long does it typically take for signs of healing to be ...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, you've had surgery twice? I'm not sure why, but it may be difficult to answer. The degree of fracture comminution can affect the healing time. Linear fractures typically heal faster, often showing good recovery in 2 to 3 months. Comminuted fractures heal more slo...

[Read More] Understanding Toe Fractures: Healing Time and Surgery Insights


Understanding Toe Fractures: When to Consider a Cast for Healing

Toe fracture Hello doctor, about two weeks ago I fractured my right foot's ring finger. After seeking medical attention, the doctor used breathable tape to stabilize it with my middle finger and advised me not to walk. Three days ago, I returned for a follow-up X-ray and fou...


Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, 1. Paper tape can be used to secure the 3rd, 4th, and 5th toes together for better stabilization. 2. A cast provides better immobilization but is less convenient; a protective shoe can be used as an alternative to a cast, making daily activities more manageable.

[Read More] Understanding Toe Fractures: When to Consider a Cast for Healing


Post-Surgery Recovery Challenges After Fifth Toe Fracture: Seeking Solutions

Postoperative care for metatarsal fractures? I fell on May 20, 2020, and it was confirmed that I had a fracture of the fifth toe. I underwent surgery on September 18. Even after the surgery, I still experienced significant pain and soreness in my calf, and I couldn't stand o...


Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, toe fractures typically take about 6 months to heal completely, depending on your age. First, it is important to confirm whether the internal fixation devices are irritating the soft tissues and causing pain. If that is a possibility, they will need to be removed before th...

[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery Challenges After Fifth Toe Fracture: Seeking Solutions


Persistent Pain and Swelling in the Fifth Toe: What to Know

Pain in the fifth toe? Hello, doctor. In August 2020, during the summer vacation, I accidentally kicked a door. Until now, my fifth toe is still red and swollen, and there is a noticeable bump when I touch it. It doesn't hurt much, but there is still some pain when I press o...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Toe fractures can heal on their own, but if pain persists, medical attention is necessary, as sometimes the bones may heal improperly or be misaligned.

[Read More] Persistent Pain and Swelling in the Fifth Toe: What to Know


Understanding Fourth Toe Fractures: Healing, Pain, and Recovery Insights

Fourth toe fracture with slight displacement? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for bothering you. I thought I had a minor sprain on October 20, but after an X-ray on November 6, I discovered a fracture and began conservative treatment. Here is the X-ray showing a small displacement fra...


Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. The assessment of whether a fracture has healed should be based on clinical symptoms, not solely on X-rays. From the single angle you provided, it appears to be healed (but X-rays should not be interpreted from just one angle). 2. Your attending physician has indicated that y...

[Read More] Understanding Fourth Toe Fractures: Healing, Pain, and Recovery Insights


Understanding Recovery from Distal Toe Fractures: Key Questions Answered

Fracture of the distal phalanges of the right foot, toes 2 to 4? Hello, I sustained an injury to my toes on January 7th when a heavy table fell on them, resulting in fractures of the distal phalanges of toes 2 to 4. The toenail on toe 2 has fallen off, and the toenail on toe 3 is...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. You can start walking in about two to four weeks without the need for assistive devices. An X-ray can be taken again one month after the fracture. 2. Surgery for pinning is not required. 3. Rehabilitation is not necessary. 4. You should be able to return to work in appro...

[Read More] Understanding Recovery from Distal Toe Fractures: Key Questions Answered


Understanding Toe Fractures: When to Consider Casting or Surgery

Toe fracture Hello Dr. Shi, I sustained a fracture in my right little toe due to a car accident on October 19, and it has been almost a month since then. The swelling has not subsided, and my foot continues to feel numb, with pain while walking. On the day of the accident, the do...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
A fracture of the fifth metatarsal that does not have significant displacement does not require surgery. It is sufficient to immobilize the fourth and fifth toes. Follow-up X-rays should be taken in two weeks to check for any changes. Generally, casting is not necessary, and heal...

[Read More] Understanding Toe Fractures: When to Consider Casting or Surgery


Understanding Toe Fractures: Symptoms, Recovery, and Care Tips

Toe fracture Hello, doctor. My right little toe was severely injured 24 days ago when I hit it against an open drawer corner. There was significant internal bleeding at the time, and I was unable to walk for two to three days. On the first day, even standing was very difficult. I...


Dr. Xie Hongjia Reply:
Hello Ms. Chang: Based on the description alone, it is not possible to determine the actual condition. It is recommended that you take the time to visit the outpatient clinic for a consultation. The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about your health.

[Read More] Understanding Toe Fractures: Symptoms, Recovery, and Care Tips


Recovery Timeline for Second and Third Toe Fractures After Surgery

How long after plate surgery for fractures of the second and third metatarsals can a patient begin to walk slowly? Hello Doctor, I have fractures of the second and third metatarsals, a comminuted fracture of the medial cuneiform, and a partial dislocation with rupture of the plan...


Dr. Zhan Xian Reply:
Hello Ms. Wei, generally, after a metatarsal fracture surgery, it is not recommended to bear weight on the affected limb for two weeks. The timing for weight-bearing can vary for each case, so please consult with your surgeon, as they are most familiar with your surgical situatio...

[Read More] Recovery Timeline for Second and Third Toe Fractures After Surgery


Page Next