Joe A Shaw PA-C - 11/22/2011

Question
My wife broke her big left toe 3 weeks ago beginning at the joint at the base of the toe.  This was confirmed by X-Ray. The foot was cast up to just above mid calf for two weeks.  Now after the cast has been off for a week, the foot is still slightly swollen and still hurts most of the time. The Dr. was concerned that clots might form because the foot was still swollen in the cast. She now wears a surgical shoe.  I might add, she is 70 yrs. old.  Is it normal to still have swelling and pain after 3 weeks?  Her next appointment isn't until Dec. 20.

Answer
Generally should be better not worse at 3 weeks,not pain free but better. If Dr is concerned about blood clot she should have a Doppler ultrasound. You say the foot still hurts most of the time? The foot wasn't broken just the big toe,so I would have it checked again. The surgical shoe would be my choice of treatment for someone her age.