Toe Injuries and Disorders—Dislocations

Dislocations are joint injuries that force the ends of your bones out of position. The cause is often a fall or a blow, sometimes from playing a contact sport. You can dislocate your ankles, knees, shoulders, hips, elbows and jaw. You can also dislocate your finger and toe joints. Dislocated joints often are swollen, very painful and visibly out of place. You may not be able to move it.

A dislocated joint is an emergency. If you have one, seek medical attention. Treatment depends on which joint you dislocate and the severity of the injury. It might include manipulations to reposition your bones, medicine, a splint or sling, and rehabilitation. When properly repositioned, a joint will usually function and move normally again in a few weeks. Once you dislocate a shoulder or kneecap, you are more likely to dislocate it again. Wearing protective gear during sports may help prevent dislocations.

• Dislocated shoulder – aftercare (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Dislocation (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Kneecap dislocation (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Kneecap dislocation – aftercare (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Nursemaid’s elbow (Medical Encyclopedia)

Fourteen of the 26 bones in your feet are in your toes. The toes, particularly your big toe, help you move and keep your balance. Playing sports, running, stubbing your toe, and dropping something on your foot can damage your toes. Wearing shoes that are too loose or too tight can also cause toe problems. Certain diseases, such as severe arthritis, can cause toe problems and pain. Gout often causes pain in the big toe.

Common toe problems include

• Corns and bunions
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains and dislocations
• Fractures

Treatments for toe injuries and disorders vary. They might include shoe inserts or special shoes, padding, taping, medicines, rest, and in severe cases, surgery.

• Broken toe – self care (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Bunion removal (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Bunions (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Clubbing of the fingers or toes (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Hammer toe (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Hammer toe repair (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Hammer toe repair – discharge (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Polydactyly (Medical Encyclopedia)