Question
One week ago my husband accidentally dropped a sheet of plywood which
struck the top of my foot.   There was some bruising on my big toe either
side of the lower toe joint.  I cannot bend that joint and it is sore at that
spot.  I went to a Podiatrist.  Xray today showed no breaks.   He put me in a
boot and said that he will see me in 2 weeks.  He says that I have arthritis in
that toe/and bases this on the fact that I have a bunion.  I told him that I do
not have arthritis.   Can you explain why I cannot bend my toe?  Will the boot
really help?  And should I see another doctor?  I asked him why my toe would
not bend?   He said that it is a soft tissue injury, but when I asked for more
information, he said to wear the boot and he will see my in 2 weeks.   Can
waiting the 2 weeks cause any further problems?

Answer
Hi Deborah,

When injuring a joint, the soft tissue will swell and cause loss of motion.  It is also possible that you damaged or severed the tendon when the wood hit your foot.  I would recommend an ultrasound to evaluate the tendon.  Being immobilized with a boot can help the healing process.  If you are not happy with your doctor I would seek another opinion but it sounds like there is reasonable treatment.


Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com
www.cryosurgerypodiatrist.com


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