Suggest Treatment For Severe Bruising On Toes

Posted on Thu, 16 Jun 2016

Question: I sprained or broke my foot or ankle. It happened last week. I have severe bruising in my toes . My gf wrapped it and used a compression tape now I am in worse pain it feels like it's on fire, what should I do? Why is it so much more painful now? She took it off a few hours ago, the pain is worse than it was all week.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Remove compression. Keep limb elevated. Medication. Xray

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Avoid using tape as it could block the blood supply and hinder fluid drainage causing a lot of pain.

Take off the compression. Keep the limb elevated over 2 pillows. Take Tablet Ibuprofen 400mg twice a day for 5 days after meals and Tablet Ranitidine 150mg twice a day for 5 days before meals.

Avoid weight bearing for atleast 10 days on that limb. Get an Xray if you have pain at the bony prominences around the ankle.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (10 minutes later)

I did not realize I used tape, I thought it was an ace bandage but different. I had taped his foot up all day, took it off and he's been complaining his foot is burning on fire. We are doing all you suggested. You don't think I caused worse damage did I? Is it irreparable or it will calm down soon? Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Limb elevation for 2 hours with watchful observation

Detailed Answer:
Take off all compression. Keep the limb elevated and watch for a couple of hours. If the pain does not subside the it may need to be seen by a doctor to rule out complications of the injury.

Unless the tape was very tightly bound, I don't think any further damage gas been caused, but just for precaution it is best to remove all the compression bandaging and tape.

In most cases the pain and swelling will come down with limb elevation, so just watchful observation shall suffice.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (57 minutes later)

We did all you suggested hours ago. I had to use scissors to get the tape off and I think obviously the tape was too tight. What complications may occur? Tomorrow is Sunday so it's a tough day to get a dr . Why is his foot feeling like it is on fire?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need to rule out compartment syndrome

Detailed Answer:
There could be blood collection on his foot which is causing the severe pain.

Kindly upload his foot and ankle xrays if any for my review.

There is one complication called compartment syndrome which needs to be watched for. If the pain does not reduce with proper limb elevation, it is best to get him to the Emergency Department to get evaluated for compartment syndrome, as this is a limb threatening emergency, if present.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina