About a week after fracturing my toe (the one next to the big toe), my foot has swollen a bit and has become cold, as if not enough blood was running through it. I spent a few days prior to this standing and sitting for prolonged periods instead of elevating my foot, so I was wondering whether this could be causing the swelling and poor circulation or whether it could be caused by something else? And in either case, what could be done to remedy or treat it? Thanks!
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Swelling/cold foot a week after fracture
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2 UpVoted this answer
The swelling seems out of control. Definitely move your ankles around for 1 minute every hour and elevate these next 3 days AMAP. Try to stretch the achilles 3-5 times a day. Walking is good, standing and sitting with your feet down is bad. Massage your feet for several minutes 2-3 times a day to get the circulation going. Hope this helps. ER if seems to be getting worse. Dr Rich Blake
2 UpVoted this answer
The swelling is not at all unusual following a fracture, even something as small as a toe fracture. The change in temperature to it being COLD is what would bother me. If the foot is truly cold to the touch it could indicate a vascular (circulation) problem, although that is unlikely at age 19. There is also something called CRPS or complex regional pain syndrome which can cause cold clammy skin following an injury. This can be difficult to treat, and the best thing is to get it checked out as soon as possible. See a Podiatrist for definitive diagnosis.
2 UpVoted this answer
You need a complete evaluation of not only your fracture but of your circulation as well. You have youth on your side but the trauma as well as other factors including smoking and/or caffeine can play a role as well. Raynaud's phenomena can cause coldness of the digits also. Please have a complete evaluation to assess these issues as there could be a simple solution with your history.
1 UpVoted this answer
I would advise seeking immediate medical attention for this. There may be a circulation problem in the toe or further up on the foot. There are conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome that can develop after an injury. Other conditions such as a Raynaud's disease may be present. This is a condition where there is spasm of the arteries.
1 UpVoted this answer
This looks like early complex regional pain syndrome
See a podiatrist who can handle this
avoid icing, start moving your foot while non-weight bearing, avoid movements or activity that triggers pain
See a podiatrist who can handle this
avoid icing, start moving your foot while non-weight bearing, avoid movements or activity that triggers pain
1 UpVoted this answer
It's not uncommon for swelling to occur following an injury. In fact, it may persist for weeks. You're correct in assuming that your prolonged standing and sitting with your foot down has likely made it worse. However, it wouldn't be a bad idea to swing by your doctor's office to make sure nothing else is going on. Given your age, poor circulation is highly unlikely. Two conditions that I would rule out are DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome). Again, both highly unlikely given your history but worth having someone take a look.
More than likely not poor circulation but just inflammation due to injured toe. Buddy splint. Ice ice ice seek help from podiatrist in your area. Best of luck