Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Hi. A Couple Of Days Ago I Woke Up And
Question: Hi. A couple of days ago I woke up and my big toe on my right foot was stiff when I tried to bend it upwards. My dad said just to leave it and stop touching it but later the same day something clicked (I heard as well as felt something click, like when you crack your knuckles?). After that I couldn't bend my big so upwards at all (such as when walking, the toes bend) without sharp stabbing pain in the toe. Please advise - I went to my GP and she suggested using Ibuprofen gel on the toe, i've used it a couple of times but it doesn't seem to be helping.
Brief Answer:
soft tissue injury is the most common cause
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
In older persons, the diagnosis of gout would need to be considered but this is not likely at your age.
Trauma is the most likely cause. The trauma may not even have been severe, in some persons, it may even be related to shoes worn previously or minor stubbing of the toe against a structure.
In many cases, the aggravating injury is not recalled.
soft tissue injury from trauma tends to resolve within 1 to 2 weeks, rarely longer than this ( in severe trauma or injury up to 6 weeks)
P.R.I.C.E MM- these are the principles of treatment
P- protection from further injury,need to be careful with the area
R-rest- reduce activity if possible to prevent aggravation
I-ice compress 2 to 3 times daily for 10 to 15 mins
C-compression- this is used if there is swelling, in that case a compression bandage is applied
E-elevation of the foot whenever possible may help
M-Medication- oral medication such as the ibuprofen tablets mentioned can be continued
M-modalities- in some persons the use of physiotherapy etc
It can take a few days of consistent treatment before a response is seen
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
soft tissue injury is the most common cause
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
In older persons, the diagnosis of gout would need to be considered but this is not likely at your age.
Trauma is the most likely cause. The trauma may not even have been severe, in some persons, it may even be related to shoes worn previously or minor stubbing of the toe against a structure.
In many cases, the aggravating injury is not recalled.
soft tissue injury from trauma tends to resolve within 1 to 2 weeks, rarely longer than this ( in severe trauma or injury up to 6 weeks)
P.R.I.C.E MM- these are the principles of treatment
P- protection from further injury,need to be careful with the area
R-rest- reduce activity if possible to prevent aggravation
I-ice compress 2 to 3 times daily for 10 to 15 mins
C-compression- this is used if there is swelling, in that case a compression bandage is applied
E-elevation of the foot whenever possible may help
M-Medication- oral medication such as the ibuprofen tablets mentioned can be continued
M-modalities- in some persons the use of physiotherapy etc
It can take a few days of consistent treatment before a response is seen
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
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
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
