Foot injury is more common in summer…
It’s the wurst-case situation.
People are inclined to toe accidents big and small in the summer because they’re taking part in exterior more, sporting less-protective footwear, such as sandals and flip-flops, and strolling barefoot on scorching surfaces like pavement and sand.
A damaged toe may appear to be a minor inconvenience, but dismissing it means you’re left with the dreaded, pink and swollen “sausage toe” — and must banish those toe-tally cute kitten heels and wedges to the back of the closet for now.
Summer is prime time for “sausage toe” because we’re more energetic. Courtesy Hospital for Special Surgery
In the long time period, you face the risk of persistent aches and pains, hassle strolling, arthritis and even deformity.
“Broken toes are a common injury in my office during those warm months, but unfortunately, the patients come to me after thinking that the issue would resolve on its own,” podiatrist and creator Dr. Rock G. Positano told The Post.
“Too often,” he added, “patients tell me in my office, ‘I was told there’s nothing you can do for a broken toe, so I didn’t do anything!’ Wrong.”
Positano and his son, Dr. Rock CJay Positano, are co-directors of the Non-Surgical Foot and Ankle Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC.
The Positanos focus on treating foot and ankle issues without surgical procedure.
Dr. Rock G. Positano and his son, Dr. Rock CJay Positano (pictured below), are co-directors of the Non-Surgical Foot and Ankle Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. Courtesy Hospital for Special Surgery
They have their work cut out for them when one of the smaller toes will get injured.
Even a minor influence on these little piggies may cause big pain because they comprise many delicate nerves and little natural cushioning.
“Small toes don’t equate to a small amount of pain,” Dr. Rock CJay Positano said. “In fact, it’s quite the opposite.”
The Positanos focus on treating foot and ankle issues without surgical procedure. Courtesy Hospital for Special Surgery
The Positanos advocate seeing a doctor as soon as the injury happens to bear medical imaging.
An X-ray can help diagnose a damaged or fractured toe, while an ultrasound examination of the forefoot can reveal a tender tissue, tendon or ligament injury.
A short, detachable strolling solid (aka a boot) or a stiff-soled surgical shoe is a common treatment for a swollen, painful or fractured toe.
These could also be worn for up to three or 4 weeks, relying on the severity of symptoms.
“Most patients note a considerable decrease in pain and discomfort when they immobilize the foot with one of these devices,” Dr. Rock G. Positano said.
“Some patients may think flip-flops are a safe treatment option, but they can make pain and swelling of the toe more severe.”
An X-ray can help diagnose a damaged or fractured toe, while an ultrasound examination of the forefoot can reveal a tender tissue, tendon or ligament injury. Courtesy Hospital for Special Surgery
The Positanos warning that frank-en foot can occur year-round, not just in {the summertime}.
There are many hazards around the home — it’s simple to fracture a toe by slamming it into the sting of furnishings in the center of the evening or by dropping a can of soda on it at dinnertime.
“People don’t appreciate how important their feet are until they sustain an injury like this, one that seems small in scale, but as time passes, it becomes only more painful and can hinder one’s lifestyle,” Dr. Rock CJay Positano said.
“It’s important to remember that a toe injury isn’t life-threatening, but it can certainly be lifestyle-threatening.”
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