How to identify a broken pinky toe. What are the common symptoms of a fractured little toe. How to differentiate between a broken toe and other foot conditions. What treatment options are available for a broken pinky toe. When to seek medical attention for toe injuries.

Understanding Broken Pinky Toes: Causes and Risk Factors

A broken pinky toe, also known as a fractured fifth toe, is a common injury that can occur due to various reasons. The most frequent cause is trauma, such as stubbing the toe against a hard surface or dropping a heavy object on it. The pinky toe’s small size and position make it particularly vulnerable to injury.

Risk factors for breaking your pinky toe include:

• Participating in high-impact sports
• Walking barefoot in cluttered areas
• Wearing ill-fitting shoes
• Having osteoporosis or other conditions that weaken bones

Understanding these risk factors can help you take preventive measures to protect your toes from potential fractures.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Broken Pinky Toe

Identifying a broken pinky toe is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. The most common symptoms include:

• A snapping or popping sound at the time of injury
• Immediate pain at the site of impact
• Visible deformity or crooked appearance of the toe
• Swelling and bruising around the affected area
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the injured foot

Is it possible to have a broken toe without visible bruising? While bruising is common, some fractures may not show immediate discoloration. If you experience persistent pain and difficulty moving your toe, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Differentiating Between a Broken Toe and Other Foot Conditions

Several conditions can cause pain and swelling in the pinky toe, making it challenging to determine if you have a fracture. Some common alternatives include:

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone caused by repetitive force or overuse. Unlike traumatic fractures, they develop gradually and may not have a specific incident of injury.

Sprains

A sprain occurs when the ligaments connecting the bones in your toe are stretched or torn. Sprains can range from mild to severe, with symptoms similar to those of a fracture.

Dislocations

A dislocated toe involves the complete separation of bones in the joint. This condition can cause severe pain and a visibly misaligned toe.

Bunions

A bunion on the pinky toe, known as a tailor’s bunion, can cause pain and swelling. It appears as a bony bump on the outside of the toe joint.

Corns

Corns are hardened areas of skin that form due to friction or pressure. They can be painful when wearing shoes but are generally less severe than fractures.

How can you tell the difference between these conditions and a broken toe? While some symptoms overlap, a broken toe typically involves more severe pain, possible deformity, and difficulty bearing weight. When in doubt, seek professional medical advice for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis and Medical Assessment of Broken Pinky Toes

If you suspect a broken pinky toe, it’s essential to have it properly diagnosed. A healthcare provider will typically:

1. Perform a physical examination of the affected toe and foot
2. Ask about the circumstances of the injury and your symptoms
3. Order imaging tests, such as X-rays, to confirm the fracture and its severity

In some cases, additional imaging like CT scans or MRIs may be necessary to assess complex fractures or accompanying soft tissue damage.

When should you seek immediate medical attention for a toe injury? If you notice any of the following signs, it’s crucial to consult a doctor promptly:

• An open wound or bleeding
• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest and home remedies
• Numbness or tingling in the toe
• Signs of infection, such as fever or redness extending beyond the injured area
• Inability to move the toe or bear any weight on the foot

Treatment Options for Broken Pinky Toes

The treatment for a broken pinky toe depends on the severity of the fracture. In most cases, conservative measures are sufficient for healing. Common treatment options include:

R.I.C.E. Method

The R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is often the first line of treatment for minor toe fractures:

• Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured foot
• Ice: Apply cold packs to reduce swelling and pain
• Compression: Use an elastic bandage to minimize swelling
• Elevation: Keep the foot elevated above heart level when possible

Buddy Taping

Buddy taping involves securing the injured toe to the adjacent toe for support and stability. This method can help protect the fractured toe during the healing process.

Protective Footwear

Wearing a special shoe or boot with a stiff sole can help protect the toe and distribute weight evenly while walking.

Pain Management

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.

Surgical Intervention

In rare cases of severe fractures or those that don’t heal properly with conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones and ensure proper healing.

How long does it take for a broken pinky toe to heal? Most uncomplicated fractures heal within 4-6 weeks. However, complete recovery and return to normal activities may take several months.

Complications and Long-Term Effects of Broken Pinky Toes

While most broken pinky toes heal without complications, it’s important to be aware of potential issues that may arise:

• Chronic pain or stiffness in the toe
• Arthritis in the affected joint
• Malunion (improper healing of the bone)
• Reduced range of motion in the toe
• Changes in gait or balance

To minimize the risk of complications, it’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and complete the recommended treatment plan.

Can a broken pinky toe heal on its own without treatment? While minor fractures may heal without intervention, proper treatment ensures optimal healing and reduces the risk of long-term complications. It’s always best to have a suspected fracture evaluated by a medical professional.

Prevention Strategies for Protecting Your Pinky Toe

Taking proactive measures can help reduce your risk of breaking your pinky toe. Consider the following preventive strategies:

• Wear properly fitting shoes with adequate toe room
• Use protective footwear during high-risk activities or sports
• Keep your living spaces clutter-free to avoid tripping hazards
• Strengthen your foot muscles through exercises and stretches
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D for bone health

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of toe injuries and maintain overall foot health.

Rehabilitation and Recovery After a Broken Pinky Toe

Proper rehabilitation is crucial for regaining full function of your pinky toe after a fracture. As you progress through the healing process, your healthcare provider may recommend:

Gradual Weight-Bearing

Slowly increase the amount of weight you put on the injured foot as pain subsides and healing progresses.

Range of Motion Exercises

Gentle exercises to improve flexibility and prevent stiffness in the toe joint.

Strengthening Exercises

Activities to rebuild muscle strength in the foot and toes, such as toe curls or picking up small objects with your toes.

Balance Training

Exercises to improve proprioception and stability, reducing the risk of future injuries.

How soon can you return to normal activities after breaking your pinky toe? The timeline varies depending on the severity of the fracture and your individual healing process. Most people can resume light activities within a few weeks, but it may take 6-8 weeks or longer before returning to high-impact sports or activities.

During recovery, it’s essential to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. Gradually increasing activity levels under the guidance of a healthcare professional can help ensure a safe and complete recovery.

In conclusion, understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and recovery process for a broken pinky toe can help you navigate this common injury effectively. By recognizing the signs of a fracture and seeking appropriate medical care, you can minimize complications and ensure optimal healing. Remember to take preventive measures to protect your toes and maintain overall foot health in the future.

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.

symptoms, treatment, prevention at home

The Internet is full of jokes about the insidious legs of the sofa and nightstands, which dream of meeting the little toe. Many remember the pain that happens after their sharp contact. But few then rush to the doctor. A broken toe is often seen as comical. As a result, a person looks at whether the finger is moving or not, it hurts – it doesn’t hurt, and lives on calmly. Even if the finger swells the next day, many rely on “it will pass by itself.” In some cases, this is what happens. But sometimes the severity of the situation can exceed the insignificance of external symptoms, especially since not only the little finger can be broken on the leg.

– The big toe or little toe is most commonly affected by toe fractures, says traumatologist Erwin Kuzmin . “People hit furniture – these are common cases when, for example, a young mother ran after a child and got injured. Either the person was in a hurry to the TV, the children frolicked next to the pieces of furniture. In these cases, the little fingers are more often injured. In my practice, there was a treatment with a broken toe as a result of a Rottweiler jumping on the mistress – the dog made a maneuver out of the best of feelings, as a result, the woman had a fracture of her little finger. Big toes are injured mainly when playing football, participating in outdoor sports, accidentally or intentionally kicking a hard surface. You can also get a broken toe if a heavy angular object falls from above. As an example, I can cite a schoolboy whose briefcase with textbooks fell on his leg. Severe injuries, for example, resulting from an accident, are not taken into account, since there we are talking, most often, about a combined injury and saving the patient’s life, and not a broken toe.

Symptoms of a broken toe

Three main symptoms:

• pain;
• edema;
• deformation.

Pain. The first and main symptom of a broken toe is pain. The pain syndrome also occurs with bruises and dislocations, therefore, first of all, it is worth paying attention to its intensity. Constant throbbing pain in the finger, especially at night, is a sure reason to go to the emergency room.

Edema. When a toe is broken, swelling appears along with pain, in other words, swelling. As a result of injury, the integrity of body tissues, vascular permeability and water-salt balance are violated, as a result, an excess of fluid accumulates in the intercellular space, which we observe visually. Small blood vessels are also damaged, and a hematoma joins the edema, i.e. bruise. When you try to move your finger, swelling and hematoma can increase, as well as spread to neighboring tissues.

Deformation . A clear sign of a broken toe is its curvature. Most often, in such a situation, it is impossible to move them, and an attempt to touch causes a sharp pain. However, it should be borne in mind that with significant edema, the deformation may not be visible to the eye, so it is better to consult a doctor to make a diagnosis.

Treatment of a fractured toe

Fractures are different – open and closed, with and without displacement of fragments, oblique, transverse, comminuted, and so on. Treatment of a fracture depends on its type. If this is a simple fracture without displacement, then a universal remedy is the imposition of a splint for short-term immobilization of the limb. After two weeks, it will be possible to step on the leg, after three – to remove the splint.

Doctors used to recommend tight bandaging for several weeks, especially for injuries to the middle and ring fingers. It was necessary to apply a tourniquet, connecting the injured finger with the neighboring uninjured one, and tightly tie them. Bandage every 3-4 days. But, the main rule in the treatment of a broken toe is that patients should not lean on the injured leg.

– Most patients consider a broken toe a trifle and neglect the orthopedic regimen, comments Erwin Kuzmin. – As a result, the consolidation of bone fragments is delayed, the fracture becomes ununited. Treatment is delayed. Therefore, it is much more practical to temporarily walk with a splint and enjoy life. After all, other types of toe fractures require more serious intervention – surgery.

Diagnosis

The main method for diagnosing a broken toe is radiography. It will allow you to immediately differentiate the diagnosis: bruise or fracture, as well as determine the type of fracture.

The main thing in the healing process is to observe the orthopedic regimen. Photo: Pixabay

Modern Treatments

Modern medicine has advanced particularly in the treatment of complex fractures. First of all, this concerns the treatment of comminuted fractures of the toes, where fixation of bone fragments is necessary using special structures: knitting needles or plates.

Today, there are many options for plates for periosteal osteosynthesis, with which you can fix any bone. Plates vary in size, shape, functionality. If we are talking about a fracture of the toe, then it is installed for 3-4 weeks and guarantees 100% fixation. Subsequently, it can be both removed and, if indicated, left. However, there is always the risk of a suppurative process.

Kirschner wires mainly fix small bones and joints. Fixation can be carried out both externally, when the end of the pin rises above the surface, and internally, when the entire structure is under the skin. Immobilization lasts, as a rule, for 4 to 6 weeks after the operation. The operation is minimally invasive, less traumatic than the installation of plates. Subsequently, you can remove the spokes at any emergency room.

Prevention of a broken toe at home

Broken toes are usually the result of hitting something hard and immovable, or from dropping a heavy, angular object on the foot. Less often – from bending the fingers inward. Therefore, pay attention when buying furniture to its protruding parts. Do not arrange furniture so that it is in your path or aisle. It is advisable to walk around the house in slippers that can soften the blow. Be careful when lifting heavy objects. Also pay attention to the selection of shoes: wearing shoes that are narrow or smaller than necessary in size is fraught with injuries on the street, especially on ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you see a doctor if you have a broken toe when it heals on its own?

Indeed, the bone can heal itself if it is a simple fracture. Only in the absence of treatment, an incorrectly fused toe can partially lose its mobility and remain deformed. This will make wearing shoes uncomfortable, can cause pain, and in the future threatens with arthritis.

In other cases, if the fracture is complicated, such connivance is fraught with inflammation and amputation.

Do you need a cast for broken toes?

If only the toes are fractured, a splint is applied – a light circular plaster bandage. It does not cover the whole leg, it can be removed at any time for examination or hygiene procedures with the permission of a doctor.

Need a splint after finger surgery?

If a broken toe required surgery, a splint is often placed after surgery for up to two weeks. During this period, it is recommended to walk as little as possible and rest more, while in bed, keep your leg in an elevated position.

What should I do if I break my toe? – useful articles from specialists

Any fracture can have unpleasant consequences, even if it is a fracture of the toe. Knowing what to do when you break your toe can help you navigate a difficult situation. Read our first aid tips – and you will have a clear idea of ​​​​how to diagnose a fracture (let’s talk about its characteristic signs and symptoms), how it can be cured.

A broken toe requires immediate medical attention. Its treatment is long and complex. If you want to avoid a number of inconveniences (for example, difficulty in movement due to improperly fused bone), you need to learn how to determine the presence of a fracture in a timely manner. Improper treatment can cause loss of the former shape and flexibility of the limb. Therefore, at the first suspicion of a fracture, it makes sense to consult a doctor.

Broken toe: causes and symptoms

Most often, the phalanges of the fingers are injured when an object that is too heavy falls, due to a strong blow or accidental twisting of the leg. In some cases, fractures occur due to diseases such as osteomyelitis (bone infection), diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis.

Most fractures are stressful: a microcrack occurs that does not cause a rupture of the skin or displacement of the bones. Less commonly, comminuted fractures occur: the bone breaks in several places. Diagnosing an open fracture is easy: you will see the bones sticking out. Proper assessment of the severity of the injury allows the appropriate treatment to be determined.

The main symptoms of a broken toe include:

• visible swelling;
• unbearable pain;
• deformity of the phalanx;
• bruising, bruising;
• crunching when trying to move the leg;
• tingling, cooling, numbness;
• open wound with bleeding.

Having broken the thumb, a person cannot fully walk, because it is this finger that accounts for most of the body weight. A broken little finger does not make a person unable to walk. But in both cases, the pain will be palpable.

What complications can occur after a broken toe?

Do not think that a finger phalanx injury is a trifle. A number of problems arise after an injury. In the presence of a hematoma, removal of the nail is possible. In case of improper tissue fusion, surgical intervention is required: an osteotomy is performed to eliminate the deformation of the joints and bones.

In addition, there is a risk of infection if there is inflamed skin near a broken finger. The presence of redness, swelling, pus, as well as the softness of the tissues and fever are evidence of infection. In this case, antibiotics are indispensable.

In order to avoid the consequences of a fracture, you need to seek medical help from qualified specialists. Diagnosis and treatment of injured limbs is carried out not only by chiropractors and orthopedists, but also by osteopaths and physiotherapists. Specialists make diagnoses after examination and examination of x-rays. In some cases, computed tomography, MRI, ultrasound, bone scans are required.

Features of the treatment of broken toes

If we are talking about a stress fracture, then the first thing you will need to do is stop any activity, apply an ice compress to the damaged area (it will reduce inflammation and stop internal bleeding). Ice should be applied for 10-12 minutes every hour. Experts recommend keeping the injured limb elevated, it can be put on a roller from a blanket or pillow. Be sure to bandage the broken finger, connecting it to the adjacent one. For this, a regular medical waterproof bandage is suitable. The family doctor will recommend anti-inflammatory drugs. The next 5-6 days you will have to walk in shoes with a free toe.

With an open fracture, the help of an orthopedic surgeon is required.