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Contusion of unspecified great toe without damage to nail, initial encounter

ICD10CM code
#### Name of the Condition
- Contusion of unspecified great toe without damage to nail, initial encounter
- Also known as: Toe bruise, Toe contusion without nail injury

#### Summary
A contusion of the great toe is essentially a bruise, which occurs when small blood vessels are damaged underneath the skin. This particular condition does not involve any damage to the nail. It's classified as an initial encounter, meaning it is the first time a healthcare professional is addressing this injury.

#### Causes
- Trauma or impact to the toe, such as stubbing it against a hard object.
- Dropping a heavy object on the toe.
- Sports injuries or accidents involving the foot.

#### Risk Factors
- Participation in sports or physical activities that involve running or exposure to foot injuries.
- Walking barefoot or in open-toed shoes, increasing the likelihood of trauma.
- Occupations involving physical labor or moving heavy objects.

#### Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness around the affected great toe.
- Localized swelling and discoloration (bruising) of the skin.
- Possible difficulty walking or applying pressure on the toe.

#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination by a healthcare provider.
- Medical history review to understand the cause of injury.
- In some cases, X-rays may be done to rule out fractures.

#### Treatment Options
- Resting the affected toe to avoid further injury.
- Applying ice to reduce swelling and manage pain.
- Elevating the foot to decrease swelling.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be recommended.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Most bruises heal completely with time and proper care, usually within a few weeks.
- Regular monitoring of symptoms is important to ensure no complications arise.
- Follow-up visits may be necessary to confirm healing and address any issues.

#### Complications
- Persistent pain or swelling.
- Development of a hematoma (collection of blood outside blood vessels).
- If improperly managed, there may be a risk of nail damage or secondary infection.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Wearing protective footwear during activities that pose a risk of foot injury.
- Implementing safety measures in environments where toes may be at risk.
- Strengthening and stretching exercises to improve foot resilience.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Intense pain or difficulty in moving the toe.
- Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or discharge.
- Symptoms that do not improve with home care within a few days.

#### Additional Resources
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society: [aofas.org](https://www.aofas.org)
- Foot Health Facts: [foothealthfacts.org](https://www.foothealthfacts.org)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure that the condition is categorized under the initial encounter for accurate coding.
- Avoid confusion with conditions involving nail damage or recurrent injuries.
- Cross-reference against patient history to verify no previous treatment for the same incident.

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