Question
XRay
Hello! I broke my fourth toe 8 weeks ago just below the second joint all the way across at an angle but not displaced. I have been seeing a podiatrist and have gotten repeated x rays and the break is NOT healing. I have been buddy taping the toe to the third toe snugly and staying off of it most of the time as I am not working on maternity leave. I am very disheartened though after the appt yesterday with NO healing and am concerned that when I go back to work in four weeks I will be hobbling around still in a sandal. Should I try wrapping the ball of the foot rather than the buddy taping based on the way it is broken? HELP! I am SO discouraged!
AnswerThis Chicago Podiatrist says....
Wear A stiff surgical shoe to limit all movement of the toe.Walk with a smaller step and in a way that is almost flat-footed-so you don't push with the toes when you walk.
Buddy splint it to the 3rd toe and also wrap the toe into the ball of the foot and do a figure of eight wrap into your ankle also. Almost like a cast. Try to wrap it in such a way that you feel ZERO pain. Then it is not moving and should heal. If you are a smoker-stop immediately.
You can check out our website for surgical shoes and wraps to help immobilize at AnkleNFoot.com.
Ask for physical therapy to help heal the fracture.
Hope this helps!
Good Luck!
Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Not Med Advise-Info for All
SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU HAVE PAIN OR ARE CONCERNED
