Fact Checked
Minor injuries can heal on after some time and home treatment is usually done to relieve the symptoms and promote healing. In case of more severe injuries, you have to use first aid measures before seeking medical help.
First aid treatment for a broken bone
- If the bone is broken and it is sticking out of the skin, do not push it back into the skin. All you have to do is to cover the affected area with a clean bandage.
- Control the bleeding from the injured area
- Remove all anklets or rings immediately, it will be hard to remove when there is swelling, and can cause a more serious problem like a nerve compression and a restricted blood flow.
- Free the trapped toe or foot if it is stuck in an object like pipes, toys, jar or anything object.
- Put a splint in the affected area. Just make not to straighten the damaged limb. Slacken the wrap on the splint if the person develops compartment syndrome which occurs once there is numbness, tingling sensation, an increased pain and swelling or cool skin below the wrap.
- If a cast or splint is applied, it should be dry, and try moving the injured part of the extremities normally to help maintain muscle strength and tone.
For a sore or sprained toe
- You can use the RICE method in order to relieve the swelling and pain.
- If the person does not have diabetes, the injured toe can be place in a buddy tape method to the healthy toe next to it. Put some soft padding like felt or foam between the toes before taping them together. The injured part should be placed in buddy taping for 2-4 weeks to fully heal.
- If the injured toe continues to hurt more after the buddy-taping, you have to take away the tape and check the symptoms
For minor foot and ankle injuries
- Remove all jewelries like rings, anklets, or anything that goes around the leg or ankles.
- Use the RICE method to reduce the soreness and inflammation.
- Clean the wound to prevent infection and scarring from dirt that is left in the wound. Pseudomonas is a bacterium that causes infections when a puncture wound happens through the sole of an athletic shoe.
- If there is pain from blood under the nail, drain it to relieve the pain.
- Try walking or bearing weight on the affected foot as long as it is not painful. If it is painful and persists, check the symptoms again.
- Massage gently the affected area to relieve pain
- After 48 to 72 hours, if there is no more swelling, apply heat and perform exercise to restore flexibility of the muscles.
- Begin moving the injured area. If it causes pain, allow the injured area more rest.
- While the injury is still healing, the individual must perform regular exercises using activities or sports that does not strain on the injured area. If it causes pain, stop these activities.