Toe, Foot, and Ankle Injuries

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Signs of shock occur:
  • In children.
  • In adults and older children.
• Severe bleeding does not slow during the first 15 minutes of steady direct pressure.
• Any part of your foot is partially or completely amputated. Begin first aid measures.
• Pieces of bone are visible in a wound or a bone is sticking through the skin. Note: Do not try to push the bone back into the skin. Cover the area with a clean bandage.
• A substance was injected under high pressure into the foot, such as paint from a high-pressure paint sprayer or grease from a grease gun.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Bleeding: Go to the topic Cuts, Puncture Wounds, or Scrapes.
• A toe, foot, or ankle problem not related to an injury: Go to the topic Toe, Foot, or Ankle Problems, Non-injury.
• An injured toenail or blood under a toenail: Go to the topic Nail Problems and Injuries.
• Bruises: Go to the topic Bruises.
• Frostbite: Go to the topic Cold Temperature Exposure.

Yes	Does your toe, foot, or ankle look twisted, bent out of shape, or out of its normal position?
Yes	Do you have pain or tenderness after an injury?
Yes	Has your toe, foot, or ankle turned pale, white, blue, or cold?
Yes	Do you have numbness or tingling in your injured toe, foot, or ankle?
Yes	Are you unable to move your toe, foot, or ankle normally?
Yes	Is your toe, foot, or ankle swollen after an injury?
Yes	Did you feel or hear a snap, pop, or grating in your toe, foot, or ankle?
Yes	Do you think an injury may have been caused by abuse?
Yes	Are you unable to free a trapped foot from an object, such as a pipe, toy, or jar?
Yes	Do you think you have an infection in your toe, foot, or ankle?
Yes	Is an object, such as a nail, embedded in your toe, foot, or ankle?
Yes	Is your foot or ankle bruised after your injury?
Yes	Do you know or think you need a tetanus shot?

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: March 29, 2007
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Gavin W.G. Chalmers, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery
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