From the Guidelines
For finger and foot injuries after a fall, the patient should be evaluated for potential fractures or other serious injuries, and radiography is always indicated as the initial imaging for suspected acute hand and wrist trauma, as recommended by the American College of Radiology 1. When documenting chart finger injury and right foot pain post fall, it is essential to note the patient's decision to seek care from an Orthopedic specialist (OIP) and their refusal to be seen by a provider. The patient's treatment plan should prioritize reducing pain and inflammation, while also considering the potential for underlying fractures or other serious injuries. Some key considerations for treatment include:
- Radiography to evaluate for fractures or other injuries, particularly in the hand and wrist area, as recommended by the American College of Radiology 1
- Gentle movement of uninjured joints to maintain mobility while healing occurs
- Monitoring for signs of serious injury, such as severe pain, obvious deformity, or inability to bear weight (for foot injuries) or move the finger normally
- Potential use of over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to manage pain and reduce inflammation, as suggested by various studies 1 It is crucial to prioritize the patient's safety and well-being, and to ensure that they receive appropriate medical attention if their symptoms worsen or do not improve within a reasonable timeframe. In terms of specific treatment recommendations, the evidence suggests that functional support, such as bracing or taping, may be preferred over immobilization for ankle sprains, and that exercise therapy should be started as soon as possible to recover joint functionality 1. However, the patient's decision to seek care from an Orthopedic specialist (OIP) should be respected, and their treatment plan should be guided by the specialist's recommendations. Ultimately, the goal of treatment should be to minimize morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life, while also respecting the patient's autonomy and preferences.
From the Research
Treatment for Finger and Foot Injuries after a Fall
The patient's decision to seek care from Ortho (OIP) for chart finger injury and right foot pain post fall is a common approach for managing soft tissue injuries.
- The treatment for soft tissue injuries, such as those sustained from a fall, typically involves managing pain and promoting healing.
- According to a study published in 2018 2, paracetamol and ibuprofen are commonly used analgesics for pain control, but the study found no statistically significant difference in pain score between the two or a combination of both in patients with mild to moderate pain after soft tissue injuries.
- Another study from 2008 3 provides an overview of soft tissue injuries, including anatomical, pathophysiological, clinical, and pharmacological aspects, which can inform treatment decisions.
- A review of the literature on acute soft tissue injuries published in 1986 4 recommends the RICE principle (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) for the first 48 to 72 hours, as well as early mobilization and progressive resistance exercises to promote full functional recovery.
- In terms of imaging, a 1997 study 5 highlights the role of MR imaging in evaluating acute orthopedic trauma to the extremities, including soft tissue injury accompanying fracture.
- More recently, a 2020 study 6 found that NSAIDs do not differ from acetaminophen for pain reduction in acute soft tissue injuries, which can inform medication choices for managing pain.
Management of Soft Tissue Injuries
- The management of soft tissue injuries, such as those sustained from a fall, typically involves a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation, as well as pain management with analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen 2, 4.
- Early mobilization and progressive resistance exercises can also promote full functional recovery 4.
- Imaging studies, such as MR imaging, may be used to evaluate the extent of soft tissue injury and guide treatment decisions 5.