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Hello, :-) Five Days Ago I Dislocated My Distal Phalanx
Question: Hello, :-)
Five days ago I dislocated my distal phalanx of the big toe (while traveling and running abroad). The ER doctor gave me lidocaine and put the joint back in its place. Initial XRays, both pre and post joint re-alignment were negative for break. Later that day I got an MRI. It showed partial ruptures of the extensor muscles and its sheath, but otherwise no damage to the joint capsule, bones, tendons or ligaments. The toe feels better, but it's still swollen and I am nowhere near full range of motion. But, if I alter my running stride, I can run again without pain in the toe. I have two questions: 1. Am I imposing the risk of osteoarthritic damage if I continue to run while not fully recovered? and 2. What's a reasonable full-recovery time frame for this type of injury? (I guess #3. Any other advice? :-)
Five days ago I dislocated my distal phalanx of the big toe (while traveling and running abroad). The ER doctor gave me lidocaine and put the joint back in its place. Initial XRays, both pre and post joint re-alignment were negative for break. Later that day I got an MRI. It showed partial ruptures of the extensor muscles and its sheath, but otherwise no damage to the joint capsule, bones, tendons or ligaments. The toe feels better, but it's still swollen and I am nowhere near full range of motion. But, if I alter my running stride, I can run again without pain in the toe. I have two questions: 1. Am I imposing the risk of osteoarthritic damage if I continue to run while not fully recovered? and 2. What's a reasonable full-recovery time frame for this type of injury? (I guess #3. Any other advice? :-)
Brief Answer:
Avoid all the painful movements.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
After the dislocation of the joint, the damage to the extensor muscles and tendons is expected. This usually takes 2-3 weeks to heal properly. To help in the proper healing it is best to avoid all the painful movements. You can also use an elastic brace in the area for an extra support till the area is painless.
In case you continue the painful movements without a proper recovery then there is a possibility of chronic pain in the area but the osteoarthritic changes are less likely.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Avoid all the painful movements.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
After the dislocation of the joint, the damage to the extensor muscles and tendons is expected. This usually takes 2-3 weeks to heal properly. To help in the proper healing it is best to avoid all the painful movements. You can also use an elastic brace in the area for an extra support till the area is painless.
In case you continue the painful movements without a proper recovery then there is a possibility of chronic pain in the area but the osteoarthritic changes are less likely.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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