Broken Toe

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on August 16, 2021

• Broken Toe Overview
• Broken Toe Causes
• Broken Toe Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Broken Toe Treatment Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Other Therapy
• Next Steps Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Synonyms and Keywords
• More

Another name for a broken toe is a toe fracture. Each toe is made up of several bones. One or more of these bones may be fractured after an injury to the foot or toes.

Broken toes usually result from some form of trauma or injury to the foot or toe. Injuries such as stubbing a toe or dropping a heavy object on a toe may cause a fracture. Sometimes, a broken toe may result from prolonged repetitive movements, as in certain sports activities. This is called a stress fracture.

• After the injury, pain, swelling, or stiffness can occur. Bruising of the skin around the toe may also be noticeable. The toe may not look normal, and it may even look bent or deformed if the broken bone is out of place. It may be difficult to walk because of the pain, especially if the big toe is fractured.
• Shoes may be painful to wear or feel too tight.
• Some other problems may develop in addition to, or as a result of, the fracture. These complications can occur right away after the injury (minutes to days), or can happen much later (weeks to years).
  • Immediate complications
    • Nail injury: A collection of blood may develop underneath the toenail called a subungual hematoma. If it is large, it may have to be drained. To drain a subungual hematoma a doctor will make a small hole in the toenail to drain the blood out. If the hematoma is very large or painful, the entire toenail may need to be removed.
    • Open fracture: Rarely, the broken bone in a toe fracture may stick out through the skin. This is called an open or compound fracture. Careful cleansing of the wound and possibly antibiotic medication will be needed to prevent the bone from becoming infected. Sometimes surgery may even be necessary.
  • Delayed complications
    • After the toe fracture heals, the person may still be left with arthritis, pain, stiffness, or even a deformity.
    • Sometimes, the fractured bone will not heal completely (called a nonunion), or will heal improperly (called a malunion). Although it’s rare, surgery may be necessary to fix this problem.

The injured toe should be looked at every day. Call a doctor if any of the following occur:

• Worsening or new pain not relieved by pain medication and the measures described in the treatment section
• Sores, redness, or open wounds near the injured toe
• A cast or splint is damaged or broken

Go to a hospital’s emergency department if the following signs or symptoms are present:

• Cold, numb, or tingling toes
• Blue or gray-colored skin
• Open wounds, bleeding, or drainage from near the broken toe

A doctor will ask some questions to determine how the toe was injured. Then the doctor will examine the injured toe and should also make sure there are no other injuries.

It is best to seek medical evaluation soon after the injury to ensure proper treatment and healing.

• A doctor may take an X-ray to see if a toe is broken or fractured.
• X-rays are not always necessary to make the diagnosis of a broken toe, especially if the break is in one of the smaller toes.

These are things that can be done at home to help decrease the pain and swelling and to help the fracture heal properly.

• Elevation
  • Swelling that occurs after the injury worsens pain.
  • To help decrease the swelling (and the pain), keep the foot raised above the level of the heart as much as possible.
  • Prop the foot up on some pillows, especially when sleeping. Reclining in a lounge chair is also helpful.
• Ice
  • Put ice in a plastic bag and apply it to the injury for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours for the first 1-2 days.
  • Make sure to place a towel between the skin and the bag of ice to protect the skin.

• Rest
  • Avoid any strenuous exercise, prolonged standing, or walking.
  • Crutches may be needed, or a special shoe to wear when walking to avoid putting weight on the fracture while it heals.

Depending on the location and severity of the toe fracture, the fracture may need to be reduced (put back into place) and splinted or casted. If there is an open wound near the injured toe, a tetanus shot and antibiotic medication may also be necessary.

Pain medications

• Usually only acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is needed for pain.
• Talk to the doctor before taking any new medications.
• For a severe fracture, the doctor may prescribe something stronger.
• Pain may be helped by elevating the foot and using ice packs.

• Reduction
  • If the toe fracture is displaced (the 2 ends of the broken bone are out of place) or rotated (the toe is pointing in the wrong direction), the doctor may need to reduce it, or put it back into place.
  • Sometimes a shot of medication (called local anesthesia) may be needed to numb the toe before it is put back into place.
  • After a reduction, the broken bone will need support to hold it in place while it heals.
• Buddy taping
  • If the toe fracture is a minor or small fracture in a bone of one of the small toes, a doctor may only need to tape the injured toe to the one next to it for support. This treatment is also called buddy taping.
  • If the toe is buddy taped, it is usually safe to bathe, and then replace the tape afterward, but check with the doctor to make sure it is OK.
  • Make sure to put a small piece of cotton or gauze between the toes that are taped together. This prevents the skin between the toes from developing sores or blisters.
• Casting
  • A cast is usually not required for a simple toe fracture.
  • A hard-soled, sturdy, and supportive shoe should be worn.
  • A doctor may suggest a special shoe to wear if the foot or toes are very swollen.
  • A cast (or even surgery) may be needed if the big toe is broken, a fracture involves a joint, or a lot of small toe fractures occur at once.
  • A cast may also be needed if a bone in the foot or leg is broken in addition to the toe.

Talk to the doctor to find out when to schedule an appointment to have the injured toe re-checked to make sure it is healing properly. If any problems or complications develop sooner, the appointment should be scheduled sooner.

To help prevent an injury resulting in a broken toe, sturdy and supportive shoes should be worn.

Broken toes usually take about 6 weeks to heal. If problems last longer than 6 weeks, another X-ray may be needed, or the injury should be rechecked by the doctor to see how the bone is healing.

Simple fractures usually heal well with no problems. However, a very bad fracture or a fracture that goes into a joint is at risk for developing arthritis, pain, stiffness, and possibly even a deformity.

The American College of Podiatric Medicine
ACPM Headquarters/Corporate Address
1060 Aviation Blvd, Suite 100
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

www.acpmed.org

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
9400 W. Higgins Road
Rosemont, IL 60018

(847) 823-7186

www.aaos.org

toe fracture, metatarsal fracture, phalanx fracture, broken toe, foot trauma, foot injury, nail injury, subungual hematoma, open fracture, compound fracture, displaced toe fracture, rotated toe fracture, buddy taping, stress fracture

Top Picks

Broken Toe

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on August 16, 2021

• Broken Toe Overview
• Broken Toe Causes
• Broken Toe Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Broken Toe Treatment Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Other Therapy
• Next Steps Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Synonyms and Keywords
• More

Another name for a broken toe is a toe fracture. Each toe is made up of several bones. One or more of these bones may be fractured after an injury to the foot or toes.

Broken toes usually result from some form of trauma or injury to the foot or toe. Injuries such as stubbing a toe or dropping a heavy object on a toe may cause a fracture. Sometimes, a broken toe may result from prolonged repetitive movements, as in certain sports activities. This is called a stress fracture.

• After the injury, pain, swelling, or stiffness can occur. Bruising of the skin around the toe may also be noticeable. The toe may not look normal, and it may even look bent or deformed if the broken bone is out of place. It may be difficult to walk because of the pain, especially if the big toe is fractured.
• Shoes may be painful to wear or feel too tight.
• Some other problems may develop in addition to, or as a result of, the fracture. These complications can occur right away after the injury (minutes to days), or can happen much later (weeks to years).
  • Immediate complications
    • Nail injury: A collection of blood may develop underneath the toenail called a subungual hematoma. If it is large, it may have to be drained. To drain a subungual hematoma a doctor will make a small hole in the toenail to drain the blood out. If the hematoma is very large or painful, the entire toenail may need to be removed.
    • Open fracture: Rarely, the broken bone in a toe fracture may stick out through the skin. This is called an open or compound fracture. Careful cleansing of the wound and possibly antibiotic medication will be needed to prevent the bone from becoming infected. Sometimes surgery may even be necessary.
  • Delayed complications
    • After the toe fracture heals, the person may still be left with arthritis, pain, stiffness, or even a deformity.
    • Sometimes, the fractured bone will not heal completely (called a nonunion), or will heal improperly (called a malunion). Although it’s rare, surgery may be necessary to fix this problem.

The injured toe should be looked at every day. Call a doctor if any of the following occur:

• Worsening or new pain not relieved by pain medication and the measures described in the treatment section
• Sores, redness, or open wounds near the injured toe
• A cast or splint is damaged or broken

Go to a hospital’s emergency department if the following signs or symptoms are present:

• Cold, numb, or tingling toes
• Blue or gray-colored skin
• Open wounds, bleeding, or drainage from near the broken toe

A doctor will ask some questions to determine how the toe was injured. Then the doctor will examine the injured toe and should also make sure there are no other injuries.

It is best to seek medical evaluation soon after the injury to ensure proper treatment and healing.

• A doctor may take an X-ray to see if a toe is broken or fractured.
• X-rays are not always necessary to make the diagnosis of a broken toe, especially if the break is in one of the smaller toes.

These are things that can be done at home to help decrease the pain and swelling and to help the fracture heal properly.

• Elevation
  • Swelling that occurs after the injury worsens pain.
  • To help decrease the swelling (and the pain), keep the foot raised above the level of the heart as much as possible.
  • Prop the foot up on some pillows, especially when sleeping. Reclining in a lounge chair is also helpful.
• Ice
  • Put ice in a plastic bag and apply it to the injury for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours for the first 1-2 days.
  • Make sure to place a towel between the skin and the bag of ice to protect the skin.

• Rest
  • Avoid any strenuous exercise, prolonged standing, or walking.
  • Crutches may be needed, or a special shoe to wear when walking to avoid putting weight on the fracture while it heals.

Depending on the location and severity of the toe fracture, the fracture may need to be reduced (put back into place) and splinted or casted. If there is an open wound near the injured toe, a tetanus shot and antibiotic medication may also be necessary.

Pain medications

• Usually only acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is needed for pain.
• Talk to the doctor before taking any new medications.
• For a severe fracture, the doctor may prescribe something stronger.
• Pain may be helped by elevating the foot and using ice packs.

• Reduction
  • If the toe fracture is displaced (the 2 ends of the broken bone are out of place) or rotated (the toe is pointing in the wrong direction), the doctor may need to reduce it, or put it back into place.
  • Sometimes a shot of medication (called local anesthesia) may be needed to numb the toe before it is put back into place.
  • After a reduction, the broken bone will need support to hold it in place while it heals.
• Buddy taping
  • If the toe fracture is a minor or small fracture in a bone of one of the small toes, a doctor may only need to tape the injured toe to the one next to it for support. This treatment is also called buddy taping.
  • If the toe is buddy taped, it is usually safe to bathe, and then replace the tape afterward, but check with the doctor to make sure it is OK.
  • Make sure to put a small piece of cotton or gauze between the toes that are taped together. This prevents the skin between the toes from developing sores or blisters.
• Casting
  • A cast is usually not required for a simple toe fracture.
  • A hard-soled, sturdy, and supportive shoe should be worn.
  • A doctor may suggest a special shoe to wear if the foot or toes are very swollen.
  • A cast (or even surgery) may be needed if the big toe is broken, a fracture involves a joint, or a lot of small toe fractures occur at once.
  • A cast may also be needed if a bone in the foot or leg is broken in addition to the toe.

Talk to the doctor to find out when to schedule an appointment to have the injured toe re-checked to make sure it is healing properly. If any problems or complications develop sooner, the appointment should be scheduled sooner.

To help prevent an injury resulting in a broken toe, sturdy and supportive shoes should be worn.

Broken toes usually take about 6 weeks to heal. If problems last longer than 6 weeks, another X-ray may be needed, or the injury should be rechecked by the doctor to see how the bone is healing.

Simple fractures usually heal well with no problems. However, a very bad fracture or a fracture that goes into a joint is at risk for developing arthritis, pain, stiffness, and possibly even a deformity.

The American College of Podiatric Medicine
ACPM Headquarters/Corporate Address
1060 Aviation Blvd, Suite 100
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

www.acpmed.org

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
9400 W. Higgins Road
Rosemont, IL 60018

(847) 823-7186

www.aaos.org

toe fracture, metatarsal fracture, phalanx fracture, broken toe, foot trauma, foot injury, nail injury, subungual hematoma, open fracture, compound fracture, displaced toe fracture, rotated toe fracture, buddy taping, stress fracture

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How to diagnose a dislocation of the toes

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How to diagnose dislocation of the foot : Dislocation of the toes – a violation of the contact of the articular surfaces of the bones, both with a violation of the integrity of the joint capsule, and without violation, under the influence of mechanical forces (trauma), or destructive processes in the joint (arthrosis, arthritis). Primary diagnosis of dislocation of the toes will require an MRI of the foot and a subsequent consultation with an orthopedic traumatologist. As an additional examination, the doctor may prescribe a CT scan of the foot, ultrasound of the foot, angiography to check if blood vessels are damaged, and a nerve conduction study to assess nerve damage.

Which doctor treats dislocation of the foot: An orthopedic doctor deals with conservative treatment of dislocation of the toes. A surgeon is engaged in surgical treatment of dislocation of the foot.

Dislocation – complete and permanent displacement of the articular surfaces of the bones with loss of contact in the joint area. Each toe, except for the big toe, consists of 3 bones called phalanges. The big toe has only 2 large phalanges. The dislocation occurs in one of the joints where the bones of the phalanges are joined together. There are 3 joints in the big toe that can be dislocated:

• distal interphalangeal joint
• proximal interphalangeal or medial joint, absent on large foot
• Metatarsal where the toe meets the foot

The ligaments that hold the bones together are often torn. The bones of the toes are prone to dislocation as a result of a pinched toe or any injury that causes bending or twisting. The patient feels sharp pain, swelling, bruising appears. Dislocation of the toe is a fairly common injury, especially in contact sports such as football. Possible dislocation and simultaneous fracture of one of the bones of the toe.

Symptoms of dislocation of the toes

Symptoms of dislocation of the toe include:

• bruising and swelling of the toe
• crooked fingers
• Pain or difficulty moving the toe
• severe foot pain
• feeling of numbness in the fingers.

In a pure dislocation, the bones remain intact, but they are displaced from their normal position in the joint. A toe subluxation is a partial dislocation in which the bones move out of position but do not completely separate. A less serious injury is a dislocation of the big toe. This is a serious and painful injury that has many of the symptoms of a dislocation. But a sprain usually heals faster than a dislocation or fracture.

Risk factors

Any toe can be dislocated, but injury to the second toe is more common. Patients over 65 years of age are more prone to dislocation of the finger joint. Children and athletes are at great risk because they are exposed to stress and risk. But children recover from dislocations faster than adults, as they do after most injuries.

How a dislocated toe is diagnosed

The diagnosis of a dislocated toe begins with an orthopedic examination that involves manipulation of the injured toe to determine if it is dislocated or fractured. The orthopedist may give the patient pain medication or a muscle relaxant to make the examination less painful. If the joint is unstable, this is a sign of a possible dislocation of the toes. If the doctor suspects a dislocation, they will take x-rays to confirm it. To see if there is a small fracture, a CT scan of the foot is done. An MRI of the foot may also be done. Other studies include:

• angiography to check if blood vessels are damaged
• nerve conduction study to assess nerve damage.

First Aid for Dislocated Toe

• Avoid Movement of the Toe
• lie down and raise your leg so that it is higher than your heart. This will help prevent swelling
• Apply an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel to reduce pain and swelling. Apply it for 10-20 minutes every hour.

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Author: Viktor Evgenievich Tolnikov

Specialization: Orthopedist, Traumatologist, Sports doctor Harmful

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Literature

1. Alekseeva N. In the footsteps of a flat foot / N. Alekseeva, A.O. Arseniev // Sem. Doctor. 2001. – No. 9. – S. 16-20.
2. Anufrieva JI.B. X-ray diagnosis of flat feet / JI. V. Anufrieva // Radiology practice. – 2002. – No. 2. – S. 12-16.
3. Bogdanov F. R. Surgical treatment of injuries and diseases of the foot / F. R. Bogdanov M .: Medgiz, 1953. – 224 p.
4. Egorov M.F. Foot correction / M.F. Egorov, K.V. Gunin, O. G. Teterin // Orthopedic cosmetology. – M .: Publishing house of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 2003. P. 80
5. Istomina I.S., Boyarskaya M.A. // Topical issues of traumatology and orthopedics: Proceedings of CITO. M., 1981. – Issue. 23. – S. 108-112.

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causes, symptoms and treatments

Contents

• 1 Broken toe: causes, symptoms, treatment
  • 1.1 Broken toe: causes and mechanism
    • 1 1.1 .2 Mechanism of toe fracture
  • 1. 2 Main symptoms and signs of a broken toe
  • 1.3 Diagnosis of a broken toe
  • 1.4 Basic treatment of a broken toe
  • 1.5 Surgical treatment of complex toe fractures 9003 0
  • 1.5.1 Features of surgical treatment
  • 1.5.2 Basic methods of surgical treatment
  • 1.5.3 Rehabilitation after surgical treatment
• 1.6 Rehabilitation after a broken toe
• 1.7 Preventive measures to prevent toe fractures
• 1.8 Complications of a broken toe
  • 1.8.1 Wound infection
  • 1.8.2 fixation and healing of bone
  • 1.8.4 Decreased functionality of the toe
• 1.9 The amount of time before a visit to the doctor if a toe fracture is suspected
• 1.10 Conclusions about a toe fracture: treatment, prevention, consequences
• 1.11 Related videos:
• 1.12 Q&A:
  • • 1.12.0.1 What is a broken toe?
    • 1.12.0.2 What are the symptoms of a broken toe?
    • 1. 12.0.3 What to do if you suspect a broken toe?
    • 1.12.0.4 How is a broken toe diagnosed?
    • 1.12.0.5 How is a broken toe treated?
    • 1.12.0.6 What complications can arise from a broken toe?

A useful article about a broken toe: how to recognize what symptoms, a detailed description of methods of treatment and prevention. Learn what to do with a broken toe and how to recover quickly from an injury.

A broken toe is an injury that can occur as a result of careless movement, strong impact or sports injury. This type of injury is quite common and can occur in people of all ages and genders. However, despite the fact that toe fractures are not as often a health threat, they should be taken seriously and immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

The symptoms of a broken toe can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the individual. Pain, swelling, bruising, dysfunction of the finger can all be signs of a fracture. At the first signs, you should consult a doctor who will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Treatment for a broken toe depends on the severity of the injury and its characteristics. In some cases, a fixative is enough; in others, surgery is required. Self-medication in this case is completely unacceptable, as it can lead to complications and deterioration of the patient’s condition.

It is important to pay attention to any changes in the body and not delay seeking medical attention. Early detection of a toe fracture and its timely treatment can prevent complications and restore the patient’s health.

Broken toe: causes and mechanism

Why does a broken toe happen

A broken toe can result from an injury that causes damage to the bone. The injury can be caused by a fall on the foot, a blow, a bend or twist of the toe. The toe of the big foot, as well as the little finger and ring finger, are most affected by fractures.

Mechanism of a toe fracture

When a toe is struck or dropped, a large force acts on the toe, which leads to a fracture. Above the finger are metatarpal bones, which can damage the finger under heavy load. Also, when the finger is bent or twisted, the bones can break in various places.

After an injury, a hematoma forms at the fracture site, the skin may turn red and swell. Pain and limited movement may also indicate a fracture. If a fracture is suspected, a doctor should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.

Key symptoms and signs of a broken toe

A broken toe is a serious bone injury that can lead to severe pain and impaired function of the foot. The main symptom of a broken toe is a sharp pain that occurs when you try to flex or extend your toe.

If a broken toe is suspected, an osteopath should be consulted to diagnose and suggest the best treatment.

• Observed pain in the finger;
• Swelling and bruising in the area of ​​injury;
• Larger finger;
• Decreased foot function;
• Difficulty in walking.

In case of severe pain and other signs of a broken toe, it is necessary to limit the movement of the injured limb as much as possible and immediately consult a specialist.

Toe Fracture Diagnosis

Toe Fracture is a serious injury that can occur when the bone in the toe is broken. In order to establish a diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a special examination that will help determine the presence and nature of the damage.

The main diagnostic method is X-ray examination. It allows you to visualize the bone and identify the presence of its damage. The doctor may also perform an external examination to look for possible signs of injury and determine the nature of the injury.

The main symptoms of a fracture are swelling, pain, redness, dysfunction of the finger. If you have these symptoms, you should see a doctor for examination and diagnosis.

If you suspect a fracture, you should see a doctor immediately and get the right treatment. Your doctor may prescribe additional tests and procedures to determine the extent of bone damage and the best treatment.

If not treated promptly, a broken toe can lead to complications including toe dysfunction, infections, bone deformity, foot mobility problems, and chronic pain. Therefore, it is necessary to see a doctor at the first sign of damage to the toe and get the right treatment.

Basic treatments for a broken toe

A broken toe is an unpleasant injury that requires medical attention and proper treatment. The main goal of treatment is to restore the functionality of the injured finger and speed up the healing process.

If the patient is unable to wear a cast, the doctor may order special shoes to stabilize the injured toe. In some cases, surgery may be required to apply special fixing structures. This allows you to quickly restore the functionality of the finger and increase the effectiveness of treatment.

• When treating a broken toe, you should:
  • Follow the doctor’s recommendations based on the individual characteristics of each patient;
  • Regularly examined in the clinic to monitor the healing process;
  • Strictly follow the mode of the leg, do not overload the injured finger and do not exercise without the permission of the doctor;
  • Take measures to prevent possible complications after treatment.

The healing process of a broken toe depends on the individual patient, the nature of the injury, and the chosen treatment method. Using the correct method of treatment, regular examinations and following the doctor’s recommendations can ensure a quick and effective healing process.

Surgical treatment for complex fractures of the toe

Features of surgical treatment

In the case of complex fractures of the toe, surgical treatment is a necessary method for restoring damaged bone tissue. The main goal of the operation is to restore the anatomical shape of the bones and restore the functionality of the finger.

Surgical intervention is performed with extensive joint damage, associated bone deformities and destruction, as well as unsuccessful attempts at conservative treatment.

Basic methods of surgical treatment

There are several methods of surgical treatment for complex fractures of the toe:

• Internal fixation of the toe: the use of internal metal plates, pins, nails, etc. for fixing and connecting bones, previously placed on them by fixing rods.
• External finger fixation: the use of devices such as Ilizarov fixators for bone regeneration and long-term bone stability.
• Use of extreme duration technique: application of metal pins, screws, miniature fixators and other instruments to create intraosseous fixation solutions.

Rehabilitation after surgical treatment

Careful monitoring and regular follow-up examinations are necessary after surgical treatment. Early mobilization and timely physiotherapy will help to avoid complications and speed up recovery. The main goal of rehabilitation is to improve the mobility of the finger in order to return the ability to perform daily activities.

The postoperative period can take from several months to a year, depending on the complexity of the fracture and the method of surgical treatment.

Following the doctor’s recommendations, proper care of the injured finger and regular visits to a specialist is the key to successful treatment and a quick recovery.

Rehabilitation after a broken toe

A broken toe is an injury that can lead to impaired leg function. To restore normal leg function after a fracture, rehabilitation is necessary.

Rehabilitation should begin immediately after the cast has been removed. The patient needs to pay special attention to stretching exercises for muscles and joints. You can also use massage to improve blood circulation and relieve tension in the leg muscles.

In addition, the patient should pay special attention to proper nutrition, so that the body receives all the necessary substances for the rapid restoration of bones and muscles. It is also important to observe the rest regimen and avoid stress on the leg in the first weeks after the fracture.

Rehabilitation after a broken toe is an important step in restoring leg function. Patients who follow the recommendations of the doctor and follow the recommendations of the rehabilitator have a greater chance of full recovery of leg function.

Preventive measures to prevent toe fractures

Choosing the right shoes is one of the most important steps to prevent toe fractures. Shoes should be comfortable and well fix the foot, which reduces the risk of injury.

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle will help strengthen the bones and muscles in your legs, which will reduce the chance of injury. Regular exercise, as well as proper nutrition, will not only be beneficial in preventing toe fractures, but also in overall health.

Maintaining good foot hygiene will help you avoid infections that can weaken your bones and increase your chance of injury.

Exercise caution is also an important measure to prevent toe fractures. The use of protective equipment, such as special helmets and shoe linings, can protect the feet from injury.

Regular health care can help identify potential foot health problems that can weaken bones and increase the chance of injury. It is recommended to have an annual checkup with a doctor.

Complications of a broken toe

Wound infection

One of the most serious complications of a broken toe is the possibility of wound infection. An infected wound can lead to the development of dangerous and life-dependent diseases such as sepsis.

Circulatory failure

Another possible problem associated with a broken toe is circulatory failure in the area of ​​the injury. Poor circulation to the arms and legs can lead to blood clots or gangrene.

Insufficient bone strengthening and healing

A fractured toe may not heal properly if it is not properly treated. This means that the bone may not heal completely or may even heal incorrectly, resulting in finger deformity and mobility problems.

Decreased function of the toe

A possible consequence of a broken toe is reduced functionality of the injured toe. This can lead to difficulty walking, running, and performing manual tasks such as grasping, holding, and lifting objects.

Time to see a doctor if you suspect a broken toe

When a broken toe is suspected, it’s important not to delay going to the doctor. If you do not seek medical help in time, complications may occur.

Never attempt to straighten a finger on your own, especially if it is broken. This can lead to even more injury and complications in the future.

• Symptoms to look out for:
  1. Acute pain in the region of the finger;
  2. Swelling and redness of the finger;
  3. Difficult or impossible finger flexion or extension;
  4. The appearance of noise or grinding when moving the finger.

Although a toe fracture may seem like a minor injury, it is a serious injury that requires careful medical attention. By quickly contacting a specialist, you can avoid complications and quickly return to normal life.

Conclusions about a broken toe: treatment, prevention, consequences

Treatment

If you suspect a broken toe, you should immediately consult an orthopedist. Treatment can be conservative or surgical, depending on the severity of the fracture and the presence of shifting of the bone fragments. Conservative treatment includes a plaster cast, splint, bone gravitator, and surgical treatment includes fixation of bone fragments with plates, pins or screws. Comprehensive measures are also being taken to reduce swelling, pain and restore mobility.

Prevention

The main ways to prevent toe fractures are the correct choice of shoes and the prevention of traumatic situations. Shoes should be comfortable, not constrain movement and provide reliable support for the foot, especially when playing sports. Wear safety shoes when working with heavy equipment or at height. It is also important to keep the muscles and ligaments in good shape, especially in athletes and people involved in hard physical labor.

Consequences

Improper or insufficient treatment of a broken toe can lead to various complications, such as removing the cast or splint too quickly, which can lead to toe deformity, shifting of bone fragments, and other problems. Painful sensations, impaired mobility and deformation of the finger in the future are also possible. Therefore, it is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations and not start treatment in order to avoid consequences.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What is a broken toe?

A toe fracture is an injury to the bones of the toe that breaks the bony material inside or near the toe.

What are the symptoms of a broken toe?

The main symptoms of a broken toe are severe pain, swelling, redness, dysfunction of the toe, and possibly deformity.

What if you suspect a broken toe?

If a finger fracture is suspected, a doctor should be consulted. At home, you can apply ice to the injury site and fix the finger in a stationary position until medical help arrives.