Stiff joints

[hwardo]

Hello All,
I'm a new member, so forgive me if this topic has been brought up before...
About 5 months ago, I had an unfortunate board breaking accident where I managed to break both of my big toes (it was a snap kick, followed by a jump snap kick). The boards broke, and I recieved my first Dan, but now I am finding that my balance is suffering because the joints in my big toes have remained painfully stiff and inflexible.
My bones have healed, but I am beginning to wonder if I did long-term damage to my joints.
Does anybody have any suggestions for regaining flexibility in a damaged joint?

Thanks!
Bryan

[pocketwarrior]

I damaged my big toe on my left foot about 14 months ago. It still hurts and i still can't bend it anywhere near as far as the other. Stupid things like putting your socks on and catching it still make me wince (Big Girl!) Mine just never seems to heal so you may have just have to adapt to it....

[KickChick]

Toe Sprains are very painful and slow to heal. You need to rest your toe until the pain is gone.
A sprain to the big toe, sometimes is called turf toe, requires quick recognition of the injury and aggressive treatment. The immediate treatment for all grades of sprains is the same, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. When it begins to heal, you can tape the toe to avoid excessive movement in order for it to heal.

You really should see a physician to rule out tearing of a ligament tissue or whether you've fractured the sesamoid bone wherein surgery may be required.

[cal_JJJ]

Hello Hwardo;

IMO its still a little early to make any judgements. Bone can mend quicker for some people than others but still may take 12wks for full healing and 10mo. to 12mo. for all the conective tissues and joints IME.

I and my classmates have found that massaging toes so that you draw it out straight, helps all the joints heal in their natural position and aids flex. laer on. This must be okay'd by your doctor (which I am not ) as bones need to be fully mended.

[hwardo]

Thank you all for the input! I have been reading the forum every day, and I am really pleased to find a place with knowledgeable and friendly people.

Cheers.
Bryan

[sher]

brandys quite good for bad joints worked for my knuckles

[hwardo]

Do you rub it in, sort of like a jow? Cause I certainly have the drinking part down.
: )

[Silver Dragons]

It would be a good idea if you tried supplements with glucosamine sulfate such as osteo-bioflex or Joint fuel. I personally use Elastijoint by Labrada......its worked pretty good so far.

[Andrew Green]

I broke my second toe a couple years back. That joint never moved again.

[Kwajman]

Drinking the brandy would be ONE method of temporarily eliminating the turf toe....

[TigerAnsTKDLove]

all i can recommend for toe sprains or any sprains at all is the RICE procedure. also take it easy. maybe if you try working it out a little it might become a little more flexible wut i mean by that is stretching lightly.

[KickChick]

..... That is exactly what I recommended back in October when hwardo & pocketwarrior posted.

Wonder how their toes are doing?? :)

[morphus]

I too damaged my toes breaking boards. That was 3-4 yrs ago & i still have problems with them, though not as much as i did at first. If the joints or bones are damaged the body produces extra calcium to the damaged part, this in itself can cause problems. This may be why you're having problems. Start taking the old 'cold liver oil' it might help.
Please correct me if i'm wrong on this Kickchick.

[hwardo]

A little update on my toe situation: I have found that regularly massaging the joints that are stuck has reduced the swelling significantly, and I am starting to get a little bit of movement back. The pain is pretty much gone, and my balance has readjusted, so I don't really think about them too much, unless I happen to notice how big and nasty looking they still are.

[cal_JJJ]

Hwardo;"A little update on my toe situation: I have found that regularly massaging the joints that are stuck has reduced the swelling significantly,"

Thanks for the update, its nice to know that the massaging is helping. :)

Take Care;
DavidM

[Togakure]

Remember to always keep the affected joints warm, and move them as often as possible (very slowly) this will promote circulation to the affected area and promote healing, as well as muscle regeneration, and will help you regain previous flexability.

If you have to stand on a cold dojo floor, try and wear tabi boots untill your toes are back to normal.

[donger]

I don't know if this will work for your situation, but when I was having joint problems I started taking glucosamine. It a pretty expensive dietary supplement. After a couple of weeks I started to really notice that my hips and knees, which were turning into problem areas, really started to come around.
It's damn expensive though. At the gnc a one months supply cost a little over thirty dollars. However, it has certainly helped me get not only a little more mobility and the time I need to warm up has drastically decreased. Just thought I might let you know.

[Phoenixdown21]

Try applying amber oil topically to the affected area. I haven't tried it myself but I know people that have joint pain who have spoken well about it temporarilly relieving joint pain (it was more for arthritis but I dont see why it wouldnt work here).

[GIBBY]

Flax seed oil works wonders

[john yates]

:love: :love: :Angel: Flax seed oil works wonders

[hwardo]

You're all about 'the one,' huh? Don't worry, you'll find 'em.