Fracture of the phalanx of the little toe of the foot is a fairly common type of injury, as it is not difficult to "earn" it. Most often, a fracture of the little finger on the leg occurs when playing football, as a result of the falling of a heavy object on the foot, squeezing fingers, tucking the legs. But, even just stumbling on the flat floor, you can break this finger, tk. the bones in it are very thin.
In some cases, the fracture of the little finger on the leg may be associated with a weakening of the strength properties of bone tissue due to a number of diseases:
- osteoporosis ;
- hyperparathyroidism;
- osteomyelitis;
- tumor processes, etc.
However, whatever the cause of the fracture of the toe, medical attention is required to avoid complications. It should be borne in mind that as a result of a fracture, motor nerve damage or tendon adhesion can occur, which in the end often leads to loss of functions of the little finger. Also, after a fracture, a purulent process may develop, threatening the amputation of the finger.
Symptoms of a pinky fracture on the leg
The main signs of fracture of the little finger on the leg are:
- sharp pain that occurs immediately after getting injured;
- increased pain when you try to move the little finger;
- swelling, redness of the skin on the finger;
- hemorrhage under the skin;
- pathological mobility of the damaged finger;
- violation of the integrity of the skin (in case of an open fracture).
When palpation of the little finger, there is a crunching of bone fragments, and the finger itself takes an unnatural position. After a time, the pain intensifies, the swelling begins to grab other fingers and a foot. The degree of severity of symptoms depends on the severity and localization of the fracture. In the case when the main phalanx, adjacent to the foot, is damaged, the size of the edema and hematoma will be greater than if the distal phalanx is damaged.
Fracture of the little toe of the foot - what to do?
The first thing to do in case of a fracture is to call a doctor. If, for some reason, you can not get medical help quickly, you should act in this way:
- Limit the load on the leg and keep it in a raised position.
- In case of an open fracture, disinfect the wound.
- Apply a cold compress to the damaged finger to prevent swelling (for 10 to 15 minutes).
- Tightly pribintovat little finger to the next finger.
- With strong pain, take an anesthetic.
Fracture of the little finger on the leg - treatment
First of all, after a physical examination, it is required to take an X-ray photograph, which will determine the nature of the fracture. Depending on this, therapeutic measures will be carried out, but, first of all, anesthesia is carried out at any fracture.
If the nail phalanx is broken, perforation of the nail plate may be required (if blood is accumulated under it). Gypsum dressing in the event of a fracture of such a localization is not required. The little finger can be fixed with a plaster to the next healthy finger for a period of about two weeks.
If the middle or the main phalanx is broken, the plantar gypsum longite is applied for a period of 1 to 1.5 months. In the warm season it is recommended to replace gypsum with Scotch
In the case of a complex fracture with displacement, an open reposition of the finger bones is required, which is performed under local anesthesia. If there is an open wound, you may need an injection of tetanus and antibiotic therapy.
During the entire treatment, it is recommended to keep the foot in a stationary state, it is forbidden to attack it. It is best to place the injured leg in a raised position on the pillow or roller.
How to develop a pinky after a fracture?
After the complete fusion of the fracture to restore the function of the damaged little finger, a rehabilitation course is prescribed, including physical procedures, massage, physiotherapy exercises, and vitamin therapy. The recovery period takes about two months.