Dr. Timothy K. Durnin - 11/28/2007

Question
I sail for a living on cargo ships and am unable to get to a doctor or land at that matter for about 3 days and I had a boo boo. A 200lb steel roller fell and hit the side of my foot in the bunion area (I do not have a bunion though) this happened about 4 hours ago and now it is swollen, discolored and numb,I can not feel the inside of my instep and big toe. I will go in asap but need to know what I can do for the time being and how can I tell if I did something serious to it? Oh I can still wiggle my toe but it is discomforting.I was unable to put ice/heat on it right away due to having to finish my work shift.

Answer
Hi Kim,

Avoid heat at all costs, use ice every chance you get. if tissue begins to get very hard, needle aspiration to drain the fluid may be necessary until you reach a doctor. Make sure the area is kept sterile ans the needle if needed. It will peak in 72 hrs post injury, then things should calm down. Also, don't be alarmed if the skin distal to the injury turns very dark, this is common and no immediate need for concern.

Good Luck!

Dr. Timothy Durnin