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? asked in HealthHealth & Well-BeingInjuries · 4 months ago

Question about a sprained big toe?

On Christmas day I tripped and badly sprained my right big toe. It's badly bruised and swollen on the foot and at the base of the big toe. I had two questions really. I've noticed when I'm walking or standing occasionally the big toe gives way beneath and it feels almost like it's dislocating, what could be causing that? And also, I've been using ibuprofen gel to contain the swelling and was wondering how long it will take to heal and return to normal. 

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  • 4 months ago

    Your toe may be injured worse than you think.  Still, it should heal in time.

    For the swelling and to speed up healing, you should do hot-and-cold foot baths.  Get two buckets, one with cold water, the other with water as hot as you can stand to put your foot in.  Soak it in the hot water for 5 minutes, then quickly plunge it into the cold water for 1 minute.  The hot water will have cooled some, so put more hot in it and repeat the procedure; then one more time.  Do this 3 days a day.  

    Then, you might tape your big toe to the toe next to it, to protect it from being bent out of shape.  At least during the daytime, or as much as you think it needs.

    The healing of bones, tendons and ligaments can take up to six weeks.  It might be tender after that, but it should be solid.

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