A Stubbed Toe Can Be More Than a Nuisance

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Everyone stubs a toe now and again. Typically, a stubbed toe hurts very intensely for a brief period of time and gets better quickly. Nonetheless, it’s important to be vigilant for a time, as stubbed toes can occasionally cause greater injuries. 

At the moment of impact, a stubbed toe hurts a lot! This is because there is little to no fat at the front of your toe to help absorb the impact. This is compounded by the fact that there is a high concentration of nerve endings in your toes. 

Complications from a stubbed toe can include infection, especially for patients with diabetes. If you are diabetic, it’s important to pay careful attention to any injury to your feet, no matter how minor it may seem initially. Diabetes can diminish circulation and sensation. Lowered sensation increase the likelihood of wounds; reduced circulation makes it harder for wounds to heal and increases the risk of infection. Regardless of your status around diabetes, pay attention to any of the following critical signs that your stubbed toe may be worse than you thought:

These symptoms include:

  • A cracking sound when the incident occurs
  • Persistent pain that doesn’t abate with RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) or over the counter anti-inflammatory medication
  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Bleeding, especially under or around the nail
  • Discharge, pus, or other signs of infection
  • Arthritic reaction

If you suspect that a stubbed toe has caused a fracture, you should see your foot doctor immediately. A visit to the podiatrist is especially important if your child stubs a toe; toe stubs in children can trigger osteomyelitis, a dangerous bone infection.

Are you concerned about a stubbed toe or anything else related to the health and well-being ofyour feet, ankles, and lower legs? Call Podiatry Group of Annapolis, P.A. at 410-224-4448 or click here today. Our friendly staff will be happy to schedule a convenient appointment for you to see James M. McKee, DPM, FACFAS in our comfortable, modern office on Solomons Island Road in Annapolis, MD. Dr. McKee will conduct a thorough examination, arrive at an accurate diagnosis, and work with you to create an effective and individualized plan for treatment and follow up care.

common foot conditions, foot injuryPodiatry Group of Annapolis