Duration of healing | Torn capsule at the toe

Duration of healing

The duration of healing can vary greatly in the case of a ruptured capsule. The extent of the injury and the subsequent swelling, pain and treatment have a significant influence on the duration of healing. Slight ruptures of the capsule can often heal and be painless within a few days to weeks.

A complete rupture of the capsule with bone fragments, on the other hand, can take a very long time to heal and can even cause chronic pain. Especially on the toes, immobilization is often difficult to achieve, which can delay the healing process. On average, pain is almost completely relieved after about 2 weeks, although courses of up to 6 weeks are not unusual. Chronic progressions and consequential damage can also greatly delay healing.

What can be the late effects?

In most cases, a rupture of the capsule heals well and movement is usually completely restored after a few weeks. However, particularly severe capsule ruptures or incorrect treatment can lead to long-term consequential damage and discomfort. A frequent late consequence of a ruptured capsule in the toe is a persistent restriction of movement.

This can occur if sufficient immobilization and subsequent slow movement is not achieved during the early phase of healing. Even after many years, cartilage and joint damage caused by the injury can still become noticeable. Such arthrosis can develop over decades and lead to severe pain, restricted movement, swelling and stiffening of the joint.

Duration of incapacity to work

For a capsule rupture in the toe, an incapacity to work can be issued. This depends mainly on the patient’s condition, pain and the restrictions at work. In most cases of severe symptoms, an incapacity to work of 1-2 weeks is initially issued.

In most cases, office work can be performed without restrictions despite persistent pain in the foot. Excluded from this are physical activities that can be performed with restrictions over long periods of time due to the rupture of the capsule. The incapacity to work can also be continued beyond the 2 weeks.

The family doctor can issue the certificate for up to 6 weeks without any consequences for the employee. In the case of physical activities, a slow reintegration must be carried out in rare cases if the symptoms are still too great.