What are the symptoms of a broken pinky toe? What other conditions can cause pain and swelling in the smallest toe? Get the answers to these questions and more in our detailed guide.

Understanding the Symptoms of a Broken Pinky Toe

A broken pinky toe, also known as a fracture, is a common injury that occurs due to a direct blow or impact, such as stubbing the toe or dropping something on it. The most common symptoms of a broken pinky toe include:

• A snapping, grinding, or popping noise at the time of the break
• Pain at the place of impact at the time the fracture occurs
• The toe appearing to be crooked
• Redness, bruising, and swelling

If there is an open wound, it is important to seek immediate medical attention to prevent infection.

Other Causes of Pinky Toe Pain and Swelling

While a broken pinky toe is a common cause of pain and swelling in the smallest toe, there are several other conditions that can also lead to these symptoms. Let’s explore some of these other potential causes:

Stress Fracture

A stress fracture, also known as a hairline fracture, is a small crack or severe bruising within a bone. It is typically caused by overuse and repetitive activity, and the symptoms may include:

• Pain during or after performing normal activities
• Pain that goes away when resting but returns when standing or during activity
• Painful to the touch
• Swelling but no bruising

The most important treatment for a stress fracture is rest, and it can take up to 8 weeks for the fracture to heal.

Sprain

A sprain occurs when there is damage to a ligament, which are the bands of tough, elastic connective tissue that connect the bones in the toes to each other. Symptoms of a sprain include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Difficulty walking
• Tenderness to the touch

Sprains are categorized into three grades, and the treatment depends on the severity of the injury.

Dislocation

A dislocation is a complete separation of the bones in a joint, causing the bones to move out of their normal position. Symptoms of a dislocation include:

• Severe pain
• Deformity or displacement of the toe
• Swelling and bruising
• Numbness or tingling
• Difficulty moving the toe

Treatment for a dislocation may involve “buddy” taping the affected toe to an adjacent toe, using a splint or walking boot, or even a cast.

Bunions and Corns: Other Potential Causes of Pinky Toe Pain

In addition to fractures, sprains, and dislocations, there are other conditions that can lead to pain and swelling in the pinky toe, including:

Bunions

A bunion is a painful, bony bump that develops on the toe joint. A bunion on the pinky toe is called a tailor’s bunion, and its symptoms include:

• A visible bump on the outside of the pinky toe
• Pain and tenderness at the site of the bump
• Redness and inflammation
• A callus or corn on the bump

Treatment for bunions may involve shoe modifications, using bunionette pads, taking anti-inflammatory medication, or in severe cases, surgery.

Corns

Corns are hard, thickened areas of skin that form as a result of friction or pressure. They are a natural defense mechanism to protect the skin underneath. Symptoms of corns include:

• A hardened patch of skin
• Open sores between the toes
• Pain when wearing shoes

Treating corns typically involves having a healthcare professional remove the corn, soaking the feet and using a pumice stone, or wearing a donut-shaped foam pad to reduce pressure.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If home remedies do not seem to be working for the pain and swelling in your pinky toe, it is important to see a doctor. The issue could turn out to be something more serious, and it is crucial to get a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a broken pinky toe is a common injury that can be caused by a direct blow or impact. While the symptoms of a broken pinky toe are typically easy to identify, there are several other conditions that can also lead to pain and swelling in the smallest toe. By understanding the various potential causes and their associated symptoms, you can better determine when to seek medical attention and get the appropriate treatment for your condition.

What you should know about a broken pinky toe

Article Featured on MedicalNewsToday

A broken pinky toe is a fracture of the smallest toe. The term “broken toe” usually describes a traumatic fracture, which can occur due to a direct blow or impact, such as stubbing the toe or dropping something on it. The pinky toe is a commonly broken toe, and the fracture usually occurs at its base.

This article looks at the symptoms of a broken small toe, along with some other problems that can cause pain and swelling in the area. It also examines the treatment and management options for this injury.

Symptoms of a broken pinky toe

The most common symptoms of a broken pinky toe include:

• a snapping, grinding, or popping noise at the time of the break
• pain at the place of impact at the time the fracture occurs
• the toe appearing to be crooked
• redness, bruising, and swelling

If there is an open wound, a person should seek immediate medical attention to prevent infection.

Other causes of pain and swelling

Other than a broken pinky toe, there are many reasons a person might have pain or swelling in their smallest toe. People can treat most of these causes at home. However, if home remedies do not seem to be working, it is important to see a doctor, as the issue could turn out to be something more serious.

The following sections outline some other causes of pain and swelling in the pinky toe in more detail.

Stress fracture

A stress fracture, or a hairline fracture, is a small crack or severe bruising within a bone. It is slightly different from a traumatic fracture, as it usually occurs due to overuse and repetitive activity.

Symptoms

• pain during or after performing normal activities
• pain that goes away when resting but returns when standing or during activity
• painful to the touch
• swelling but no bruising

Treatment

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the most important treatment for a stress fracture is rest.

Advising that it takes up to 8 weeks for most fractures to heal, the AAOS warn against resuming the activity that caused the stress fracture to occur too quickly. They warn that this could lead to long-term problems. As well as resting, using shoe inserts or braces can help stress fractures heal.

Sprains

A sprain occurs when there is damage to a ligament. Ligaments are the bands of tough, elastic connective tissue that connect the bones in the toes to each other.

Symptoms

• pain
• swelling
• difficulty walking
• tender to the touch

The AAOS categorize sprains into three grades:

• Grade I: This is characterized by overstretched ligaments, a minimal loss of function, and mild pain.
• Grade II: This is characterized by a partially torn ligament, moderate pain, and difficulty putting weight on the toe.
• Grade III: This is characterized by a complete tear of the ligament, severe pain, a total loss of function, and an inability to bear weight.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the sprain but could include:

• resting the toe
• icing the toe
• wearing a compression sock
• using crutches to aid walking
• taking pain relief medication
• using a walking boot, which is a stiff boot that protects the toe as it heals

Dislocation

A dislocation is a complete separation of the bones in a joint. The bones then move out of their normal position.

Symptoms

• severe pain
• deformity or displacement of the toe
• swelling and bruising
• numbness or tingling
• difficulty moving the toe

Treatment

• “buddy” taping it to an adjacent toe
• using a splint
• wearing a cast
• trying a walking boot

Bunion

A bunion is a painful, bony bump on the toe joint. A bunion on the pinky toe is called a tailor’s bunion. Historically, this name comes from the tailors who sat cross-legged all day, with the outside edge of their feet rubbing on hard surfaces.

Symptoms

• a visible bump on the outside of the pinky toe
• pain and tenderness at the site of the bump
• redness and inflammation
• a callus or corn on the bump

Treatment

• making shoe modifications, such as wearing wider-fitting footwear
• using bunionette pads
• taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen

In some cases, corticosteroid injections can help treat the inflamed tissue around the joint. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases.

Corns

Corns are hard, thickened areas of skin that form as a result of friction or pressure. Corns are the foot’s natural defense to help protect the skin underneath them. They are a response to bone pressure against the skin.

Corns may develop on the tops and sides of the toes and on the balls of the feet.

Symptoms

• a hardened patch of skin
• open sores between the toes
• pain when wearing shoes

Treatment

• shaving the corn, but only when a health professional carries it out
• soaking the feet and using a pumice stone on the corn
• wearing a donut shaped foam pad over the corn to reduce the pressure

It is best to visit a doctor as soon as someone suspects that there is something wrong. This is particularly important if a person hears a snapping, grinding, or popping noise at the time of the break.

If a person leaves a broken toe untreated, it can get worse and cause lasting problems.

Diagnosing a broken pinky toe

The doctor will examine the foot, gently pressing on different areas to find out where there is pain. They will also order X-rays. Additional imaging studies may be necessary if the initial X-ray does not show anything.

Treatment

It is a myth that nothing can mend broken toes. In fact, leaving them without treatment can lead to future complications. Healing of a broken toe may take 6–8 weeks.

A person may need to have their broken toe buddy taped to an adjacent one. Wearing a stiff-soled shoe can also help, as can using crutches to help keep weight off of the toe while it heals.

Rarely, a person may need to wear a cast to keep the foot immobile. Surgery may be necessary if there are multiple breaks or if nonsurgical treatment does not work.  Also, if a fracture leads to large amounts of blood underneath the nail, a person may need to take antibiotics and undergo nail removal.

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Symptoms, treatment, and other conditions

A person can break their pinky toe in a trauma, such as stubbing the toe or dropping something on it. They may hear a sound as the toe breaks and feel pain. The toe may be crooked, swollen, and bruised.

The pinky toe is a commonly broken toe, and the fracture usually occurs at its base.

This article looks at the symptoms of a broken small toe, along with some other problems that can cause pain and swelling in the area. It also examines the treatment and management options for this injury.

The most common symptoms of a broken pinky toe include:

• a snapping, grinding, or popping noise at the time of the break
• pain at the place of impact at the time the fracture occurs
• the toe appearing to be crooked
• bruising and swelling

If there is an open wound, a person should seek immediate medical attention to prevent infection.

Other than a broken pinky toe, there are many reasons a person might have pain or swelling in their smallest toe.

People can treat most of these causes at home. However, if home remedies do not seem to be working, it is important to see a doctor, as the issue could turn out to be something more serious.

The following sections outline some other causes of pain and swelling in the pinky toe in more detail.

Stress fracture

A stress fracture, or a hairline fracture, is a small crack or severe bruising within a bone.

It is slightly different from a traumatic fracture, as it usually occurs due to overuse and repetitive activity.

Symptoms

• pain during or after performing normal activities
• pain that goes away when resting but returns when standing or during activity
• painful to the touch
• swelling but no bruising

Treatment

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the most important treatment for a stress fracture is rest.

Advising that it takes up to 8 weeks for most fractures to heal, the AAOS warn against resuming the activity that caused the stress fracture to occur too quickly. They warn that this could lead to long-term problems.

As well as resting, using shoe inserts or braces can help stress fractures heal.

Learn more about stress fractures here.

Sprains

A sprain occurs when there is damage to a ligament. Ligaments are the bands of tough, elastic connective tissue that connect the bones in the toes to each other.

Symptoms

• pain
• swelling
• difficulty walking
• tender to the touch

The AAOS categorize sprains into three grades:

• Grade I: This is characterized by overstretched ligaments, a minimal loss of function, and mild pain.
• Grade II: This is characterized by a partially torn ligament, moderate pain, and difficulty putting weight on the toe.
• Grade III: This is characterized by a complete tear of the ligament, severe pain, a total loss of function, and an inability to bear weight.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the sprain but could include:

• resting the toe
• icing the toe
• wearing a compression sock
• using crutches to aid walking
• taking pain relief medication
• using a walking boot, which is a stiff boot that protects the toe as it heals

Learn about the difference between a sprain and a strain here.

Dislocation

A dislocation is a complete separation of the bones in a joint. The bones then move out of their normal position.

Symptoms

• severe pain
• deformity or displacement of the toe
• swelling and bruising
• numbness or tingling
• difficulty moving the toe

Treatment

• “buddy” taping it to an adjacent toe
• using a splint
• wearing a cast
• trying a walking boot

Bunion

A bunion is a painful, bony bump on the toe joint.

A bunion on the pinky toe is called a tailor’s bunion. Historically, this name comes from the tailors who sat cross-legged all day, with the outside edge of their feet rubbing on hard surfaces.

Symptoms

• a visible bump on the outside of the pinky toe
• pain and tenderness at the site of the bump
• redness and inflammation
• a callus or corn on the bump

Treatment

• making shoe modifications, such as wearing wider-fitting footwear
• using bunionette pads
• taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen

In some cases, corticosteroid injections can help treat the inflamed tissue around the joint. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases.

Learn more about tailor’s bunions here.

Corns

Corns are hard, thickened areas of skin that form as a result of friction or pressure. Corns are the foot’s natural defense to help protect the skin underneath them. They are a response to bone pressure against the skin.

Corns may develop on the tops and sides of the toes and on the balls of the feet.

Symptoms

• a hardened patch of skin
• open sores between the toes
• pain when wearing shoes

Treatment

• shaving the corn, but only when a health professional carries it out
• soaking the feet and using a pumice stone on the corn
• wearing a donut shaped foam pad over the corn to reduce the pressure

Learn more about corn remedies here.

It is best to visit a doctor as soon as someone suspects that there is something wrong. This is particularly important if a person hears a snapping, grinding, or popping noise at the time of the break.

If a person leaves a broken toe untreated, it can get worse and cause lasting problems.

The doctor will examine the foot, gently pressing on different areas to find out where there is pain.

They will also order X-rays. Additional imaging studies may be necessary if the initial X-ray does not show anything.

It is a myth that nothing can mend broken toes. In fact, leaving them without treatment can lead to future complications.

Healing of a broken toe may take 6–8 weeks.

A person may need to have their broken toe buddy taped to an adjacent one. Wearing a stiff-soled shoe can also help, as can using crutches to help keep weight off of the toe while it heals.

Rarely, a person may need to wear a cast to keep the foot immobile.

Surgery may be necessary if there are multiple breaks or if nonsurgical treatment does not work.

Also, if a fracture leads to large amounts of blood underneath the nail, a person may need to take antibiotics and undergo nail removal.

Taking NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can help decrease swelling and pain.

At home, people can use the RICE method to try to reduce swelling and allow the pinky toe to heal.

RICE

• Rest: Give the toe time to heal.
• Ice: Ice the toe for up to 20 minutes four times per day.
• Compression: Using an elastic bandage or brace can provide support and reduce swelling.
• Elevate: Elevating the foot above the heart can also help reduce swelling.

Learn more about the RICE method here.

The pinky toe works with the rest of the toes to keep a person balanced. A person’s foot works in a tripod fashion to keep them balanced, with the little toe being one part, the big toe another, and the heel the third.

Sustaining damage to any part of this tripod can affect a person’s range of motion.

Learn more about the bones of the feet here.

It might be small, but the pinky toe plays a vital role in keeping a person balanced. Therefore, any damage to it can cause issues.

It is important to seek medical attention if a person suspects a broken toe, as it can get worse without treatment.

A person can treat milder problems at home, by changing their footwear, taking NSAIDs, and resting. A medical team can treat more serious issues.

How to tell if a finger is broken

Likbez

Health

June 20, 2022

Focus on the symptoms, but don’t delay your visit to the doctor.

Iya Zorina

Author of Lifehacker, athlete, CCM

You can listen to the short version of the article. If it’s more convenient for you, turn on the podcast.

What can lead to a broken finger

The thumbs and toes have two phalanges, and all the others have three. Any of these bones can break. For example, from falling a heavy object, being pinched by a door, or hitting the edge of a nightstand. It is not necessary to drop a weight on your foot or hit your finger with a hammer – even an unsuccessful landing when jumping from a height can lead to a fracture.

The likelihood of breaking bones increases with certain diseases and bad habits. Among the increased risk factors:

• cancer;
• type 1 diabetes;
• celiac disease;
• Crohn’s disease;
• ulcerative colitis;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• osteoporosis;
• calcium deficiency;
• excessive consumption of alcohol;
• smoking;
• taking corticosteroids – anti-inflammatory drugs.

How to tell if a finger is broken

The most obvious sign that can indicate a fracture is severe and throbbing pain that increases with movement of the injured finger and does not subside with time.

Other common symptoms include:

• change in the shape of the finger or its position relative to others;
• hematoma, which may involve a broken toe, spread to others, and extend into the foot or hand;
• numbness;
• flexion problems;
• edema;
• if we are talking about the leg – the inability to transfer body weight to the injured limb.

In this case, the person will not necessarily lose the ability to move the finger, and the resulting pain may seem tolerable. If the injured limb has not changed its position and shape, without radiography it will not be possible to distinguish a fracture from a severe bruise.

Therefore, if pain and swelling persist for 1-2 days, be sure to visit a traumatologist. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the chance that the bones will grow together correctly and there will be no problems with the mobility of the finger.

Do’s and don’ts before seeing a doctor

Before you see a traumatologist, immobilize your injured finger if possible. If the fracture is on the leg, take off your shoes, lie down and place the limb above the level of the head. This will ensure the outflow of blood and reduce pain and swelling.

An ice pack can also be applied for local anesthesia for 15-20 minutes. But keep in mind that this procedure only helps to relieve symptoms and does not promote healing. While waiting for a trip to the emergency room, you can also take an anesthetic pill.

If your toe is injured, do not go to the hospital on foot, as this may dislodge the broken bones. In addition, do not try to immobilize the finger yourself, for example, by wrapping it with a band-aid or sports tape to the next one. This can cause tension and displacement of bone fragments, which will only exacerbate the problem.

What happens if you don’t see a doctor

In some cases, surgery is necessary to heal the fracture properly. For example, if:

• damaged joint;
• a piece of bone to which the tendon was attached was torn off;
• the bone is shattered into several fragments;
• damaged ligaments or tendons;
• bone fragments are unstable and cannot be securely fixed with a bandage.

Because you can’t tell what type of fracture you have by eye, not seeing a doctor increases your risk of malunion and loss of joint function.

Consequences of malunion of the bone. Photo: Iya Zorina

As a result, the finger may look crooked (as in the photo above) and either not bend at all, or do it not in full range.

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• Hip fracture: how to recognize it, how to treat it and how long it will take to recover
• How to recognize a sprain and what to do about it

How to tell if a finger is broken – Article

Step-by-step instructions on how to detect a broken finger:
1. Pay attention to pain and hypersensitivity. The first sign of a broken finger is pain. The intensity of the pain depends on the severity of the fracture. Be careful with your finger after injury and pay attention to the degree of pain first.

• It can be difficult to tell if a finger is broken at first, because the sharp pain and tenderness are also accompanied by dislocations and sprains.
• Look for other symptoms or seek medical attention if you are unsure of the severity of your injury.

2. Pay attention to swelling and bruising. A fracture of the finger is accompanied by acute pain, after which there is swelling or bruising. This is the body’s natural response to injury. After a fracture, an inflammatory process is activated in the body, which leads to edema as a result of the release of fluid into the surrounding tissues.

• A bruise often follows the swelling. This happens when the small blood vessels surrounding the fracture swell or burst due to increased fluid pressure.
• It can be difficult at first to tell if your finger is broken if you are still able to move it. However, after you move your finger, the swelling and bruising will become more noticeable. The swelling may also spread to adjacent fingers or to the palm of the hand.
• As a rule, swelling and bruising appear 5-10 minutes after the first bouts of pain in the finger.
• However, slight swelling may also occur due to stretching. However, it is not accompanied by immediate bruising.

3. Look at the deformity of the finger and the inability to move it. In this case, the phalanx of the finger cracks or breaks in one or more places. The deformity of the bone may show up as unusual bulges on the finger or a twist in the finger.

• If the finger is unusually crooked, it is a sign of a fracture.
• Usually, a broken finger cannot be moved due to the fact that the connection between the phalanges is broken.
• A fracture may be accompanied by such severe swelling and bruising that it will be difficult for you to move your finger.