Question
Hello Dr,
About 4 days ago I was walking and hit my little toe VERY had on the side of my couch 'foot'.  The pain was extreme and i couldnt move it at all or put pressure on it.  It took me 30 mins to get from the 3rd floor apt to the hospital where they toox an x ray.  I know they dont do anything for broken toes but the pain was so bad (elevation didnt help, etc) they said it was not broken.  Over the next two days it seemed to be doing fine I could walk on it although still a little sore (to be expected I guess)today it felt "out of place" so when i took my sock off the nail is slightly bruised and it seems to be "resting" against the next toe in.  I cant move it on will, if I really try i can get it to 'twitch', but i cant move it like I can on my right little toe (which has also been sprained). the pain seems to be maintaining at just "annoying' I still dont feel comfortable walking on it fully yet...they said buddy tape was optional and i opted not to do it because at the time the pain just sitting there was easily a 10, they prescribed me vicodin and to just be careful with it.  Is this normal? what should I do?

Answer
Hi shane.
You should have your foot xrayed by a podiatrist.  Emergency rooms often miss small toe fractures.  It is not true that there are no treatments for a toe fracture.  If there are any dislocated fractures they should reduced, either by closed manipulation or by surgery.  Furthermore your toe should be splinted and immobilized to expedite healing.  The fact that you can walk on your foot does not mean at all that you don't have a fracture.  You may also have a dislocated joint that may have to be reduced.  In the mean time you should ice your foot, elevate it, and try and anti inflammatory medication such as motrin.

Isaac Tabari DPM
footdocnyc.com

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