Foot
Instability
Description
A toe dislocation occurs when one of the bones of the foot is displaced from the normal joint alignment.
What are the causes?
Trauma is a common cause of toe dislocations. Striking the tip of the toe on an object is one of the most common histories for dislocation.
What are the symptoms?
Immediate pain, swelling, loss of motion and a visible deformity can all be present.
How is it diagnosed?
A dislocation is obvious on physical exam. X-rays will be obtained to evaluate for concomitant fracture that may have occurred at the time of the dislocation.
How is it treated?
Non-operative
The surgeon will realign the bones and a splint will be used for several weeks until the surrounding soft tissues heal.
Operative
Surgical intervention is indicated if the toe cannot be put back into normal anatomic alignment or if a concomitant fracture disrupts the joint.
Description
Turf toe is an injury to the big toe that causes pain at the base of the toe.
What are the causes?
Trauma in which the toe is jammed into a hard surface can cause a partial dislocation, or subluxation of the toe. Repetitive high-intensity running or jumping can lead to turf toe.
What are the symptoms?
Patients complain of pain in the toe, swelling and difficulty pushing off of the toe.
How is it diagnosed?
Your surgeon will examine your toe and push on the affected area. An X-ray is obtained to rule out a fracture.
How is it treated?
Non-operative
Your surgeon will prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, and a splint that prevents the big toe from moving.
Operative
Operative treatment is seldom indicated, and is reserved only for cases of chronic turf toe which have not responded to non-operative treatment.
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