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What Causes Bruising On Top Of The Toes?

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Posted on Wed, 19 Apr 2017
Question: I bruised the tips of my big toes, I'm guessing while running in hiking boots. It's been two months and they are still quite sensitive. I've been able to reduce the pain by not doing any walking or running, but if my toe accidentally kicks/taps something, it is very painful. Will this ever heal? I'm having trouble locating a podiatrist in my area, especially one that takes my insurance. Was considering seeing my primary care physician.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Please give details and post actual photographs.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: male/49 - bruised tips of great toes - possibly by running in hiking shoes - 2 months - still quite sensitive - not running or walking to reduce the pain - very painful if accidentally kick or tap something - wants to know whether this will heal - trouble locating a Podiatrist, the one that takes insurance - considering seeing PCP ...
Please give additional information for me to assist you better:
Was there any bleb/blister formation in the beginning?
Are there any particular spots that pain or the whole tips?
Any discoloration?
Any exposure to too cold or too hot things/atmosphere?
Tobacco in any form?

Please post clear and focused photographs as this helps sometimes in on-the-spot diagnosis.

Any other symptoms/ diseases/ medical problems/ medications?

Awaiting for your feedback and photos.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (2 hours later)
Was there any bleb/blister formation in the beginning?
No blisters. The discomfort felt like a blister but there was nothing there.

Are there any particular spots that pain or the whole tips?
It's the tip towards the top of the foot, but NOT under the toe nail.

Any discoloration?
Yes. It's slightly purple/red. 2 weeks ago, there was much more discoloration, more purple/black. But there is much less now.

Any exposure to too cold or too hot things/atmosphere?
Some cold exposure, but not a lot. Walking and sitting in cold weather, but not more that 45 minutes at a time.

Tobacco in any form?
No Tobacco

Any other symptoms/ diseases/ medical problems/ medications?
No other problems.

Are there any particular spots that pain or the whole tips?
Actually in the beginning it was the whole tip, the area of sensitivity has gotten smaller, and is now is more confined to the top area.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Sensitization of nerve endings

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for detailed feedback.
The color changes, exposure to cold, concentration on the tip only indicate towards nerve injury akin to granuloma wherein the peripheral nerve fibers get clubbed and become more sensitive than before.
Pictures as such do not show any specific cause or effect.
This may heal with time.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19777 Questions

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What Causes Bruising On Top Of The Toes?

Brief Answer: Please give details and post actual photographs. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query. To recapitulate: male/49 - bruised tips of great toes - possibly by running in hiking shoes - 2 months - still quite sensitive - not running or walking to reduce the pain - very painful if accidentally kick or tap something - wants to know whether this will heal - trouble locating a Podiatrist, the one that takes insurance - considering seeing PCP ... Please give additional information for me to assist you better: Was there any bleb/blister formation in the beginning? Are there any particular spots that pain or the whole tips? Any discoloration? Any exposure to too cold or too hot things/atmosphere? Tobacco in any form? Please post clear and focused photographs as this helps sometimes in on-the-spot diagnosis. Any other symptoms/ diseases/ medical problems/ medications? Awaiting for your feedback and photos.