What can be done if the swelling does not go down? | Broken little toe

What can be done if the swelling does not go down?

In order to stop and counteract the swelling of the little toe, it is advisable to elevate the foot and immobilize it, and to cool the tissue. Ice packs and cooling pads can be used to cool the toe and reduce the swelling. A compression bandage also helps to control swelling and inflammation.

If the simple remedies are not sufficient to reduce the swelling, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can help. Ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. You should ask your doctor if there are any restrictions on such medication and what he recommends. If the swelling does not go down despite medication, the doctor should be consulted again to rule out possible complications such as compartment syndrome. The following topic might also be of interest to you: Aspirin – use, effect & side effects

Healing time

A broken little toe usually heals very well. It normally takes about six weeks until the affected bony structures have completely healed. Once the fracture has healed, the little toe can be fully loaded again without causing pain.

In the case of very complicated fractures and severe concomitant injuries, the healing time can be correspondingly longer. There are a few measures that can speed up the treatment of a broken little toe. Important initial measures are elevation and immobilization of the affected foot and cooling, for example with cold compresses.

These simple measures can help reduce the spread of swelling and possible inflammation. If surgery is necessary, early cooling can make the procedure easier. It is also essential that the affected toe is protected during the healing process. The little toe must not be loaded so that the structures can heal without complications.

What are the causes of a broken little toe?

Typically, the cause of a toe break is a direct violent impact on the toe. Frequently, the little toe breaks within the scope of a so-called “bedpost injury”. The affected person gets stuck with the little toe on the bedpost, cupboard or table leg while walking past. Another possibility is the falling of a heavy object onto the toe. In this case, most often there are comminuted fractures and several toes are affected by broken bones.