The treatment for a dislocated toe is usually reduction, which involves realigning the dislocated bones. In addition, having the patient rest, keeping the foot elevated, applying ice, and offering pain medication may help the patient stay comfortable before and after reduction. It is usually best to have a doctor perform a reduction, but it may be necessary to perform one without a doctor’s help if the patient is in a remote location. When attempts at reduction are unsuccessful, surgery may be required.
Initially, the first step in dealing with a dislocated toe may be making the patient comfortable and helping him stay calm and relaxed. This may be accomplished by having the patient rest with the injured foot elevated. An ice pack may be helpful for dealing with swelling and pain. Likewise, an over-the-counter pain reliever may help relieve the patient’s discomfort. At this point, it is advisable to seek medical care for a dislocated toe.
While it is possible to treat the toe at home, it is typically best to have a doctor handle it. Attempting to reduce a dislocation in the big toe at home could lead to further injury, especially if there are fractures involved. As such, at-home reduction attempts may be best saved for treatment in remote locations or when medical help is unavailable.
If you must attempt to treat a dislocated toe on your own, start out by facing the patient and holding the affected toe with both of your hands. The toe should be held so that it is slightly flexed, which can be accomplished by holding it with one hand at the tip of the toe and the other at its base. With your hands in this position, you may then pull the toe toward you in a lengthening, straightening line to position the bones properly. At the same time, you will need to use your other hand to push the patient's dislocated joint back into its proper place. Once the joint is in its proper place, a splint may be used to keep the toe immobile until the patient can see a doctor.
Forcing the relocation of a toe can cause further injury. If the patient's pain increases, you may do well to stop and keep the toe immobile until medical help is available. Likewise, you should usually stop reduction attempts if you encounter resistance when you are manipulating the toe.
In some cases, reduction attempts are unsuccessful or a toe is too badly injured for a manual reduction attempt. In such a case, surgery may be required to realign the toe. Surgeons typically use pins to hold the toe in place and to help it heal properly.