Broken Toe

Expert Discussion Recovery and Regeneration
1

Members,

As most of you will know, I had a run in with a 20kg plate, 5 weeks ago, and the plate won:( Resulting in me breaking my big toe.

Yesterday I did some tempo work (for the first time) and it was sore.

I have never broken any bones before, so I do not know if this pain is normal or not. Since, I have put little or no pressure/weight on the toe in 5 weeks, is this pain to be expected?

If so, how long should this last?
Or, should I be concerned the break has not healed fully yet?

Thanks for any input.

  1. Is this pain
2

OorWullie,

Have you done rehab to strengthen the toe joint? I sprained my toe 3 years ago and it is still giving me trouble. I am using Traumeel Cream and DMSO on it and it is finally at a point where I can make it through practice without thinking about it. Bones usually take 6 weeks to heal from what I remember in High school Biology class. Take it easy still. Get back into it slowly.

3

Wullie

This site may have some info on rehabilitation

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/injurylist.htm#foot

arabest

4

I have been through this before and when I had pain, it was due to the calcium deposit. I was told it would take up to 3 months to subdue, and it gradually felt better.

5

Thanks everyone.

I will continue to take it very easy, and gradually build up the intensity.

Herb,
No I have done nothing to strength the toe: any suggestions??

6

Toe update,

Well its been about 7 1/2 weeks since my little incident, and my toe is still giving me trouble.

Is this normal?
Whilst running is alot better, early acceleration and changing direction gives me the most trouble.
Also, kicking a soccer ball is sore (I know, so don’t kick a ball).

My concern is what is causing the paing. Surely the break has healed - is the pain merely the fact that I put very little weight on it for about 5 weeks, and since then, I have not returned to my pre-injury mechanics?

What should I do now?
Work through the pain - in order to get the toe fully working again?

I really do not know - any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

7

Update,

First week of running over.

Tuesday - toe was sore, so bad, I was only at about 40-45%.

Thursday - alot better, and was able to pick up the pace to abour 50-60%

Saturday - again, improving. I manage to do my tempo on grass - what a difference. now approaching 70-75%.

Things are coming along well.

Just have to lose some weight, but, I will report on another thread, later.

8

Be careful not to re-enter training too early. Something that may seem small, like a sore toe can completely throw off your gait, resulting in problems elsewhere via changed motor patterns. Start slow and be very mindful of your running mechanics!

9

Cheers NumberTwo,

I will do my best - but, it is hard to hold yourself back at times. I am itching to get going at full throttle again.

10

If you have a toe problem, don’t bother with running for your tempo work. Replace it with pool or circuit exercise work and reserve the running for speed work only- and a minimum at that. Replace the speed work you must miss with other power work.

11

bump?

12

please help!!

13

Keep the tempo in the pool for awhile longer. The straight-line speed work should be ok. It’s not unusual for the pain to persist for quite some time.

14

Charlie,

Thanks very much.

The pain is very minimal whilst running, even when changing direction. It is only kicking a ball that cause me the most trouble.

15

Update.

Toe is causing me very little bother - but, I am getting pain in the other toes (in the metatarsal area)

I presume, I have strained some muscles and/or ligaments in that area because of I was probably walking incorrectly for weeks, whilst my toe healed.

Questions:
What can I do to speed recovery?
Should I stop all running til this heals?
Or should I still do pool and speed work?

(Clemson, you are the go-to-guy - any tips/advice).

:mad::mad::mad::mad:

16

bump

17

You may have lost some muscle in the arch of the foot. Try rolling up a towel with your toes on a smooth floor to build up the arch (both feet).

18

Also, if you have access to EMS, it works great for foot strength. Simply stand on the pads and crank it up!

xlr8