Dislocation of the little finger on the leg is a fairly frequent injury in people who are professionally involved in sports. To get a similar injury is quite simple, sometimes a pretty strong blow. As a result of this, trauma occurs to joints located between the fingers.
Treatment is not particularly difficult, but is required, since its absence can provoke very serious consequences or dangerous complications.
Varieties of dislocations
All dislocations of the little finger on the leg are divided into traumatic and pathological. Traumatic dislocations can be obtained as a result of mechanical action on the foot area, and pathological disorders are provoked by the development of a certain disease.
Dislocation of the little finger on the leg can be complete and incomplete, as well as open and closed. By the time when the lesion occurred, such types of injury are distinguished as:
In addition, dislocation is divided in direction from the applied force. It is quite possible to determine it visually, depending on the direction of the displacement of the fingers. Each individual case has a specific symptomatology and requires a specific approach to the treatment.
Features of the dislocation of the little finger
Dislocation of the little finger on the leg, unlike a thumb injury, is much less common, and a similar problem is usually observed with a strong blow. Sometimes it may be that a dislocation occurs due to the fact that a person wears too tight shoes.
With the defeat of the little finger, a person cannot bend, straighten, or make another movement. A person often experiences a slight tingling sensation in an injured area, somewhat similar to a cramp or numbness. In this case, the skin may turn white. Similar signs can be observed with the usual bruise of the little finger on the leg.
Causes of injury
Dislocation of the little finger on the leg is a rather rare phenomenon, since the foot is distinguished by a well-developed ligamentous apparatus. However, the consequences of injury lead to a deterioration in the quality of life of the affected person. Among the main causes of this kind of injury should be highlighted such as:
- sharp movements of the foot, a blow to the furniture;
- sports injuries during intense training or competition;
- falling heavy object, crushing the joint;
- high jump.
Quite often, dislocation of the little finger on the leg is observed in children, since they have insufficiently well-developed muscular and ligamentous apparatus of the foot.
The main symptoms
Symptoms of a fracture of the little finger on the leg and dislocation of the finger are not much different, which is why only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis after a comprehensive examination. A characteristic sign of injury is the occurrence of pain in the affected area.
In the area of damage, hemorrhage is often observed, slight swelling and swelling of the affected finger and the area around it. The patient complains of limited movement. Another sign is pronounced deformation, so that only a visual examination is enough for a traumatologist to determine if this is a dislocation or a bruise of the little finger on the leg. In the presence of injury, symptoms such as:
- pain during trauma;
- puffiness, which grows very quickly;
- possible damage to the nail;
- abrasions and scratches on the skin;
- bias.
Symptoms of a fracture of the little finger on the leg, if bone fragmentation occurred, is the instant formation of a hematoma and severe swelling. If the injury is minor, then the symptoms may not be pronounced enough. Sometimes the patient walks with damage for several days without going to the traumatologist until the leg begins to turn blue. That is why, if after hitting the swollen little finger on the leg, be sure to consult a doctor for diagnosis.
First aid
If the little finger on the leg is very sore and there are suspicions of a dislocation or fracture, it is necessary to provide timely first aid, which includes:
- anesthesia;
- applying a cold compress;
- applying a bandage or retainer to an injured finger.
In the process of first aid, it is imperative to limit blood flow to the site of injury. The exception is the presence of diabetes in the victim. In this case, a sharp decrease in blood flow can be very dangerous, so it’s best to just lift your leg up when bandaging. If the little finger on the leg hurts and there is a dislocation, then after first aid it is necessary to consult a doctor, since self-medication can be very dangerous.
Diagnostics
It is possible to accurately determine the dislocation, bruise or fracture during a comprehensive diagnosis in a medical institution. To do this, a person who is injured needs to undergo a series of examinations, namely:
- examination of the affected area;
- X-ray
- ultrasonography.
In case of complex injuries, if there is a suspicion of a fracture, the doctor can prescribe the passage of computed or magnetic resonance imaging. After the doctor makes an accurate diagnosis, he will be able to choose the most effective method of treatment.
Treatment features
A broken little finger on the leg, like any other type of finger injury, is treated on an outpatient basis by a doctor based on a diagnosis. Closed dislocations are treated with iodine tincture, an anesthetic solution, and then finger reduction is performed. In especially severe cases, a special spoke is introduced, with the help of which traction is carried out along the length of the damaged finger. After the procedure, a bandage is applied and a control x-ray is taken.
A broken little finger on the foot requires a more thorough and lengthy treatment. In this case, reduction is performed and then gypsum is applied. If the bone is very fragmented, surgical intervention is indicated to restore full mobility of the joints of the foot.
Direction of dislocation
Treatment of the little finger on the foot in case of dislocation should be carried out by a specialist so that complications can be prevented. Elimination of the improper location of the joint is carried out by performing a reduction procedure in a hospital under local anesthesia. The doctor adjusts the dislocation under X-ray control by pressing until the joint capsule returns to its original position.
After completion of the reduction procedure, the doctor applies plaster on the little toe for a period of up to 3 weeks.
Drug therapy
To reduce unpleasant symptoms, the treatment of the little toe of the leg after a dislocation is carried out with the use of medications. However, it is worth noting that this is a temporary measure, since it is aimed solely at reducing swelling and preventing the occurrence of inflammation. Often, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs that help quickly and effectively eliminate painful sensations, as well as muscle relaxants that help relieve muscle tension.
If there is a high risk of side effects, the doctor may prescribe local remedies in the form of an ointment or gel. It is worth noting that it is strictly forbidden to use drugs on their own, as this can lead to various kinds of complications and allergies.
Surgical intervention
The treatment of chronic dislocations is carried out exclusively by surgery. This makes it possible to return the correct form to the joint and the functional capabilities of the foot when walking and loading on it.
Often, the doctor performs an open reposition of the joint, fixing them using special knitting needles. Sometimes a resection of the phalanx of the finger and its subsequent extension are carried out.
Other treatments
Many are interested in how to cure the little finger on the leg with the help of special physiotherapy exercises. Exercises must be carried out after setting a closed fracture or surgery. To prevent muscle atrophy and restore full motor activity of the fingers and foot, a special training course has been developed. A set of exercises is selected exclusively by the attending doctor. Gymnastics must be performed daily. If you experience pain, you must definitely postpone the exercise until the complete elimination of unpleasant symptoms.
To eliminate discomfort after an injury and reduce the risk of dangerous complications, folk methods will help. To reduce puffiness, you need to make a compress of cabbage or a sheet of plantain. Slurry made from raw potatoes will help to remove fluid from damaged tissues.
To remove pain and other signs of dislocation, a decoction prepared from needles will help. To prepare a medicinal product, you need to pour boiling water over the needles and let it brew for 30 minutes. Pour the product into water and soar your feet for 15 minutes. In place of the injury, you need to apply a honey solution. With dislocations, lotions made on the basis of tincture of a golden mustache or cow's milk will be very useful.
Rehabilitation
After the end of the main treatment, it is necessary to conduct a competent rehabilitation, as the mobility of the joints decreases very sharply, and the muscles atrophy. That is why special attention should be paid not only to the affected area, but also completely to the entire foot. Rehabilitation includes a set of exercises, namely:
- compression and spreading of the toes;
- rise on socks with support;
- rotational foot movements.
If there are seals in the area of injury, you need to massage, however, it is not worthwhile to make significant efforts. During the recovery period it is forbidden to wear too tight shoes or walk in heels, as this can lead to displacement of the toe and the appearance of cartilaginous formations.
Possible complications
In case of dislocations, it is very important to consult a doctor as soon as possible, since the treatment of a chronic injury is not always effective. In advanced cases, trauma can lead to consequences such as:
- finger sprain;
- damage to blood vessels or nerve endings;
- rupture of muscles or tendons;
- the occurrence of repeated dislocation;
- risk of arthritis.
In addition, signs of dislocation are similar to a fracture, which can lead to a limitation of foot mobility.
Prophylaxis
It is imperative to carry out prophylaxis and treats your health carefully to prevent sprains and dislocations. To do this, you must follow certain rules, namely:
- Avoid situations that could result in personal injury.
- observe safety precautions when playing sports;
- if the activity is associated with increased stress, wear special shoes;
- systematically train the muscles of the foot.
Despite the fact that the dislocation does not pose a serious threat to a person’s life, treatment must be carried out immediately, and it must be comprehensive.