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stitches in bottom of big toe - how soon to train again?

afrostafrost
in General Training Discussions

 Daughter #2 has 3 stitches put in today in bottom of her left big toe.  In 11 days she is the anchor member of our family tri relay team and needs to run 10 K.  Questions:  Can she water run if we put Liquid bandage on?  Can she use the elliptical until she can run again?  When do you think she can run normally?  

Thanks all for any help with this one!

 

---Ann.

 

Comments

  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Ow! I would ask the doctor because the question is what is the likelihood of ripping a stitch. On the positive side, 3 stitches isn't very much. If you taped the toe, plus socks and running shoes, it should be OK as long as everything is well fitting and no chance of rubbing whether the cut is on the top or bottom. But suppose the cut tore just an 1/8th of an inch? Then the issue is infection and I would think a liquid bandage would be harder to get off to treat the wound. I would feel more comfortable with standard bandage with an ointment on the wound, then taping to hold in place...easier to get off if anything were to happen.
  • Michele CellaiMichele Cellai
    How long were they planning to leave the stitches in place? Was this a planned event or trauma? Broken bone underneath?

    I will make some assumptions,you correct me...

    She is currently, and for the next 2-3 days planning to rest with the foot elevated above the heart as much as possible- not at hip level. Think laying on couch with leg up over back of couch.
    She is icing and otherwise doing everything advised to prevent infection. Again assuming this is a clean cut without broken bone (those can be game changers).

    The superficial skin will usually scab/ close over in 48-72 hours if allowed to dry. Then start using anti-biotic ointment to prevent infection, unless taking oral antibiotics for prophylaxis, then it is not necessary to use ointment other than to reduce scar..

    Adjusting expectations could be part of it. Maybe she is walking, or walking every other mile.

    If stitches come out before event- definitely liquid bandage and steristrips. This is not as difficult to remove as super glue.
    If stitches are in place- padding and adjustment of pace. Toe will swell, but ice and elevate immediately after.
    Scrap it if it hurts with every step to run. There will be other races.
  • afrostafrost
    @Michele - not planned. Stepped on suspected broken glass on bottom of lake. No broken bone. She is indeed lying down but will get her to raise the foot higher. Not given oral antibiotics, but have Polysporin. Stitches can come out after 7-10 days. We are on day 2 now. Triathlon is 9 days away.

    @Paul - I like the taping plus sock coverage idea. And will be aware of any pain too.

    Thanks to you both!

    ---Ann.
  • Michele CellaiMichele Cellai
    Get stitches out day before the race, super glue the area for extra protection, and have fun!
  • afrostafrost
    @Michele -have Super Glue standing by! Will let you know how it goes. Thanks!

    -Ann.
  • afrostafrost
    Eden had a successful 10K anchor leg yesterday. We had the stitches taken out and had taped the toe up. No problems at all! Thanks for your help on this, Michele and Paul!

    ---Ann.
  • Michele CellaiMichele Cellai
    Great!
  • Jenn EdwardsJenn Edwards

    Any day without needing super glue to hold yourself together is a good day! Glad to hear it Ann, thanks for keeping us posted!

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