Sometimes knowing when something is due can help you avoid paying for it later. This is true in life, but it’s especially true for library books and foot or toe surgery. What do these two unrelated things have in common? Returning a book to the Castle Pines Library Branch by its due date allows you to avoid a fine. Knowing when metatarsal or toe surgery is “due” can mean the difference between healing properly now and “paying for it” later with chronic pain or trouble recovering. While this is, admittedly, a light-hearted comparison, the underlying idea is true—and serious. 
Most of the time, a broken toe or metatarsal fracture heals with basic, conservative care. However, sometimes the injury doesn’t recover well on its own for various reasons. It needs surgery to realign or secure the bones in place. Knowing when conservative care is enough and when to have surgery is important for you to get the treatment you need.
So when are you due for toe surgery? That depends on the severity and location of the fracture. There are a few types of broken toes and feet that don’t heal easily. These are best served through surgical intervention. Here are a few situations when you might need surgery:
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The Ends Aren’t Aligned – The broken ends need to be lined up and touching to grow back together correctly. If they aren’t, they could heal incorrectly and create a bone deformity.
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The Ends Won’t Stay Together – To grow back together, the ends actually have to stay together long enough to heal. Bones that won’t stay in place may need to be pinned together.
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The Bone is in Multiple Pieces – Bones that are in multiple pieces have a hard time staying together and are often poorly aligned. Surgery corrects these problems so they can heal.
Surgery allows specialists like our team at Podiatry Associates, P.C. to correct badly-aligned bones and pin them in place. When conservative care doesn’t work, this is your best option to avoid permanent bone deformities or weaknesses. Don’t be afraid of the word “surgery”—recognize when it’s due and take care of yourself! Make an appointment with our Castle Pines or Parker, CO offices to determine the best treatment for your fractures today. Call (303) 805-5156 or use our web request form to reach us.