Big toe fracture (Folder)

Chirurgie Orthopedie Spoedeisende Hulp / Spoedpost
Michelangelolaan 2
5623 EJ Eindhoven

040 - 239 91 11
Catharina een Santeon ziekenhuis

Big toe fracture (Folder)

You have a fracture of the big toe (hallux). We treat this fracture with a pressure bandage and a special shoe.

Summary

  • You have a fracture of the big toe.
  • This type of injury almost always heals well without any loss of function.
  • A routine follow-up is not necessary for this type of injury.
  • You can remove the pressure bandage if your pain allows you to do so, wear the pressure bandage for a maximum of 1 week.
  • To prevent the toe from getting stiff, it is important that you start moving the toe again as soon as possible.
  • You can find instructions on how to reapply the pressure bandage in the app in the App store (iPhone) or Google Store (Android). See QR-code for more information online.
  • If you have any questions, or are experiencing problems with your recovery, you can call the “breuklijn” (fracture hotline) (+31) 040 239 96 40 on workdays between 9.00 and 12.00.

Treatment

A fracture of the big toe (hallux) is a common injury. The fracture is treated with a pressure bandage and a special shoe that prevents you from putting weight on your toe.

Time Treatment
0-1 week Pressure bandage and a special shoe, remove as soon as pain allows.
1-2 weeks You may walk again wearing a sturdy shoe.
After 3 weeks You may start sports, when your pain allows you to do so.

Instructions

Follow these instructions for a good recovery:

  • Wear the pressure bandage for a maximum of 1 week. It is not a problem if you remove the pressure bandage earlier. If the pressure bandage gets loose, you can find instructions on how to reapply the pressure bandage in the app.
  • You may put pressure on your foot, if your pain allows you to do so. Use crutches if this is necessary.
  • Elevate your foot when you are resting, for example, by putting it on a chair. This will reduce swelling and pain.
  • To prevent the toe from getting stiff, it is important that you start moving the toe again as soon as possible.
  • For the first three weeks, you should not practice any sports. After three weeks, you may start sports again if your pain allows you to do so. It can take up to 6-8 weeks before you have recovered enough to practice sports again.
  • Are you in pain? Use a mild pain killer such as paracetamol (acetaminophen). Do not wait with the use of paracetamol until the pain is too much.

Recovery

  • This type of injury almost always heals well with time and use – no specific treatment is required and routine follow-up is unnecessary.
  • It can take up to 6-8 weeks before the toe is fully recovered.
  • Does the pain increase, or does it not improve? Please contact the “Breuklijn” (fracture hotline, see below).

Reapply the pressure bandage

If you need to reapply the pressure bandage or shoe, you can find instructions on how to do so in the app. You can buy a new pressure bandage at the pharmacy or reuse the pressure bandage that was applied in the Emergency Department.

Exercises

It is important to move the toe as much as possible. No specific exercises are necessary.

Questions? Please call us!

If there are any questions after reading the information, please contact the Breuklijn at 040 239 96 40 between 09.00 and 12.00.

In case of an emergency or problems that cannot wait until the next weekday, please contact our emergency department at 040 – 239 96 00

Contact

Catharina Ziekenhuis Eindhoven
040 – 239 91 11
www.catharinaziekenhuis.nl

Breuklijn (Fracture hotline)
(+31) 040 239 96 40 (on workdays 9.00 – 12.00h)

Route numbers and other information about our emergengy department can be found at: www.catharinaziekenhuis.nl/spoedeisende-hulp

App Virtual Fracture Care

In our app you can find more information about your injury. You can also find exercises here to improve your recovery. You can find the app in the Appstore (iPhone) and in the Google Store (Android).

You can also scan the QR-code. You will then automatically be directed to the app.


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