Question
Dear Sir,
       My question is: What can be done to assist in the recirculation of blood in a foot that has been crushed? 3 weeks ago a very good friend of mine had an unfortunate accident where a huge machine weighing little more than a ton fell off the back of a truck unto his foot hitting him smack on the in-step. He was able to to remove the foot right away but had 2 huge cuts running down the length of each side of his instep towards the toes. Under his foot had 2 smaller cuts that appeared to be where the pressure was released and had 2 cuts that burst open. His index and middle toes( please excuse my lay man language) were broken on the instep. Lower down on the toes he had a fracture and a displaced joint. Within 6 hours of having the accident he underwent surgery. four pins were placed in his foot to correct the breaks on those 2 toes. since then he has loss both toes and will lose the other 2 this week, according to the surgeon. Apparently they can't get circulation into the toes and they keep just dying back. His big toe however is okay so far. Is there anything we can do to help him since he has now become very depressed? He is 32 years old. Thanks and I await your reply.

Tony

Answer
This Chicago Podiatrist says......
Very sorry for the delay to reply
If your friend is a smoker he needs to stop immediately. Ask for a vascular consult.They are the circulation experts and may recommend a procedure or meds.
He can try to take one or two aspirin a day to thin the blood. Not more.
On a separate note-as devastating as a loss of body parts may be-tell your friend that he has his big toe and should be able to participate in all activities when healed!
I know many patients less lucky than him.

Hope this answers your question
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
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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