How to Put a Splint on a Toe
The over-worked toe is also a common injury victim. With help from muscles, tendons and ligaments, phalanges, or toe bones, provide balance and aid in walking and running. The big toe carries the most weight of all the toes -- about 40 percent of the load, according to Scientific American. It is the last part of the foot to push off the ground. Toes are commonly broken or sprained by kicking something or having something fall on them. Keep a splint handy because you can treat most toe injuries at home.
Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Ice bag, ice in a storage bag or bag of frozen peas or corn
- Knife or sharp scissors
- Commercial toe splint, ice cream stick or craft stick
- Gauze
- Medical tape
Instructions
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1
Examine the area surrounding the injured toe. Look for signs of broken skin, stiff bulges, or other indications of a protruding bone. Gently feel the area to determine the severity and number of any possible break or breaks. If it is more than a crack, go to the emergency room.
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2
Reduce the swelling in the area by elevating the foot for about a half an hour. Put a towel over the exposed skin. Put ice in a storage or freezer bag, use an ice bag or a bag of frozen peas or corn on the area for 15 to 20 minutes. Reducing the swelling before splinting gives the splint more accurate support as the toe heals.
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3
Estimate the size of the toe. You will need two splints long enough to secure the toe without causing a hazard. You'll need to avoid extending beyond the end of the toe or into the ball of the foot. Cut the stick with an object sharp enough to avoid splintered edges on the stick.
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4
Put one piece of the splint under the broken or sprained toe and one on top to help immobilize the toe. Wrap the gauze around the splint twice. Avoid wrapping it too tightly. Use medical tape to secure the gauze. Wait a minute or so to allow the color to return to normal in the toe. If it's too tight, loosen it.
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Use the medical tape to wrap the toe to the one next to it to keep it from moving. Make sure there is still quality circulation in the toe. Toes are susceptible to blood pooling and slow circulation. If the toe changes colors or becomes cold, loosen the tape.
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Continue the ice regiment every one to two hours for the first one or two days to keep the swelling under control. This should also reduce the pain and itching. You can treat the pain with over-the-counter pain medication.
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Stay off the toe as much as possible. Re-check the toe's coloring and temperature throughout the first day. If it begins turning blue or gray, seek medical attention.
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Visit the emergency room if you experience worsening or new pain, numbness, tingling or cannot get pain relief.
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References
- Photo Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
