What are the common signs of a broken toe. How can you treat a broken toe at home. When should you seek medical attention for a toe injury. How long does it typically take for a broken toe to heal.

Understanding Broken Toes: Causes and Risk Factors

A broken toe, also known as a toe fracture, occurs when one or more of the bones in a toe are damaged or cracked. Toes are comprised of several small bones, making them susceptible to injury. Understanding the causes and risk factors can help prevent these painful injuries.

Common Causes of Broken Toes

• Stubbing the toe against a hard surface
• Dropping a heavy object on the foot
• Sports injuries, especially in contact sports
• Falls or accidents
• Repetitive stress from certain activities

While anyone can experience a broken toe, certain factors may increase the risk:

• Participating in high-impact sports
• Walking barefoot frequently
• Having osteoporosis or weakened bones
• Wearing ill-fitting shoes

Can repetitive movements cause a broken toe? In some cases, yes. Prolonged repetitive stress on the toes, such as from certain sports or occupational activities, can lead to stress fractures over time.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Broken Toe

Identifying a broken toe promptly is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. While symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the fracture, there are several common signs to watch for:

Key Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Pain, often severe and immediate
• Swelling around the affected toe
• Bruising or discoloration
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight
• Stiffness or limited range of motion
• Visible deformity in severe cases

Is it possible to mistake a broken toe for a bruised toe? Indeed, the symptoms of a broken toe can be similar to those of a severe bruise or sprain. If you’re unsure, it’s best to seek medical advice, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.

Home Treatment Options for Broken Toes

For minor toe fractures, home treatment can often be sufficient. However, it’s important to follow proper care techniques to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.

Effective Home Remedies for Broken Toes

1. Rest and elevate the affected foot
2. Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
3. Use over-the-counter pain relievers
4. Buddy tape the injured toe to an adjacent toe
5. Wear comfortable, wide shoes

How should you apply ice to a broken toe? Wrap an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables in a thin towel and apply it to the injured area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Never apply ice directly to the skin.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Toe Injury

While many broken toes can be treated at home, certain situations require professional medical care. Recognizing these scenarios is crucial for proper healing and to prevent potential complications.

Signs That Indicate the Need for Medical Care

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with home treatment
• Visible deformity or bone protrusion
• Open wounds or cuts near the injured toe
• Numbness or tingling in the toe
• Inability to move the toe
• Signs of infection, such as fever or increased redness

Should you seek immediate care for a broken big toe? Yes, injuries to the big toe often require medical attention due to its importance in balance and walking. If you suspect a broken big toe, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Medical Diagnosis and Treatment of Broken Toes

When professional medical care is necessary, healthcare providers use various methods to diagnose and treat broken toes effectively.

Diagnostic Procedures for Broken Toes

• Physical examination
• X-rays to confirm the fracture
• In some cases, CT scans or MRIs for complex fractures

Professional Treatment Options

1. Proper alignment of the broken bone
2. Splinting or casting in severe cases
3. Prescription pain medications if needed
4. In rare cases, surgery for complex fractures
5. Physical therapy for rehabilitation

How do doctors determine if surgery is necessary for a broken toe? Surgery is typically only considered for severe fractures, such as those involving joint surfaces, multiple breaks, or when the bone has pierced the skin. The decision is based on the specific nature and location of the fracture, as well as the patient’s overall health and lifestyle factors.

Recovery and Healing Time for Broken Toes

The healing process for a broken toe varies depending on the severity of the fracture and the individual’s overall health. Understanding the typical recovery timeline can help manage expectations and ensure proper care throughout the healing process.

Typical Healing Timeline for Broken Toes

• Minor fractures: 4-6 weeks
• More severe fractures: 6-8 weeks or longer
• Full recovery and return to normal activities: 6-12 weeks

What factors can affect the healing time of a broken toe? Several factors can influence recovery time, including:

• Age and overall health of the patient
• Severity and location of the fracture
• Adherence to treatment recommendations
• Presence of other health conditions, such as diabetes
• Smoking status (smoking can delay healing)

Preventing Broken Toes: Tips and Best Practices

While not all toe injuries can be prevented, taking certain precautions can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing a broken toe.

Effective Strategies for Preventing Toe Injuries

1. Wear properly fitting, protective footwear
2. Use caution when walking on uneven surfaces
3. Keep living spaces well-lit and free of clutter
4. Use proper form and equipment during sports activities
5. Strengthen foot and ankle muscles through exercise

How can athletes reduce their risk of toe injuries? Athletes can minimize their risk by:

• Wearing appropriate footwear for their sport
• Using protective gear like toe caps when necessary
• Practicing proper techniques and form
• Gradually increasing training intensity to avoid overuse injuries
• Addressing any foot pain or discomfort promptly

Long-Term Effects and Complications of Broken Toes

While most broken toes heal without long-term consequences, some cases may lead to ongoing issues or complications. Being aware of these potential outcomes can help individuals seek appropriate care and take necessary precautions.

Possible Long-Term Effects of Toe Fractures

• Chronic pain or stiffness
• Arthritis in the affected joint
• Deformity of the toe
• Changes in gait or balance
• Increased susceptibility to future injuries

Can a poorly healed broken toe be corrected? In some cases, yes. If a broken toe heals improperly and causes significant problems, corrective procedures may be considered. These can range from minimally invasive treatments to surgical interventions, depending on the specific issue and its severity.

Understanding the potential long-term effects underscores the importance of proper initial treatment and follow-up care for broken toes. By adhering to treatment plans and being mindful of any persistent symptoms, individuals can minimize the risk of lasting complications and maintain optimal foot health.

In conclusion, while broken toes are common injuries, they should not be taken lightly. Proper recognition of symptoms, timely treatment, and adherence to recovery guidelines are crucial for optimal healing and prevention of long-term issues. By understanding the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures, individuals can better navigate the challenges of a broken toe and ensure a swift return to normal activities.

Broken toe – NHS

A broken toe can be painful, but you do not usually need to go to hospital. There are things you can do to treat it at home.

Check if you have a broken toe

You may have broken your toe if it’s:

• red or bruised
• painful and swollen
• difficult to walk on

Information:

Do not worry if you’re not sure if it’s broken or just bruised, treatment is usually the same for both.

Urgent advice: Get help from NHS 111 if:

• you have a bad cut or wound after injuring your toe
• you have severe toe pain
• your child has hurt or broken their toe

You may need further treatment in hospital, such as a boot, cast or surgery.

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

You could also go to your nearest urgent treatment centre.

What we mean by severe pain

Severe pain:

• always there and so bad it’s hard to think or talk
• you cannot sleep
• it’s very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress

Moderate pain:

• always there
• makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
• you can manage to get up, wash or dress

Mild pain:

• comes and goes
• is annoying but does not stop you doing daily activities

Immediate action required: Go to A&E if:

• you think you have broken your big toe
• your toe is pointing out at an odd angle
• the bone is sticking out of your toe
• there was a snap, grinding or popping noise at the time of injury
• you feel tingling in your toe or foot or it feels numb

If you cannot get to A&E by yourself, call 999 for an ambulace.

What you can do about a broken toe

Doctors will usually suggest you treat a broken toe at home first if:

• it’s not your big toe
• the bone is not sticking out of your foot
• your toe is not pointing at an odd angle
• there’s no wound on your toe

Broken toes usually heal within 4 to 6 weeks, but it can sometimes take several months.

Do

• take ibuprofen or paracetamol for the pain and swelling

• rest your foot and keep it raised

• hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on your toe for up to 20 minutes every few hours

• wear wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel

• avoid walking around as much as possible

• strap up your broken toe – put a small piece of cotton wool or gauze between your sore toe and the toe next to it, then tape them together to support the sore toe

Don’t

• do not strap up your toe if it’s pointing out at an odd angle or you have hurt your big toe – get medical advice

• do not put ice directly on your skin

• do not walk or stand for long periods

• do not wear tight, pointy shoes

• do not play any sports like football, rugby or hockey for 6 weeks or until the pain eases

• do not try to treat your child’s toe – take them to an urgent treatment centre or A&E

A pharmacist can help with a broken toe

You can ask a pharmacist about:

• the best painkiller to take
• what you need to strap up your toe
• if you need to see a GP

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

• pain and swelling has not started to ease 2 to 3 days after you injured your toe
• it still hurts to walk 6 weeks after injuring your toe
• you have diabetes and have injured your toe – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes

They may send you for an X-ray to see if you need any further treatment.

Page last reviewed: 06 May 2022
Next review due: 06 May 2025

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

What to do if you break your toe? – useful articles from specialists

Any fracture can have unpleasant consequences, even if we are talking about a broken 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 are possible 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. He will reduce the broken finger and apply a splint. You will need to use crutches for about 2 weeks. For walks, you will need to purchase special orthopedic shoes. Anyone who wants to quickly recover from a fracture should eat foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, magnesium, calcium, and boron.

Important point! Doctors almost always recommend a tetanus shot if you have an open wound.

Practice shows that the healing of broken fingers takes about 1. 5 months. If during this period the problem is not solved, the doctor will take new x-rays and adjust the treatment. Only an expert can qualitatively assess the degree of bone healing.

Despite the fact that the fractures in question heal easily, the consequences should not be forgotten. You don’t want to get arthritis, do you? Do you want to be disabled? At the slightest injury, immediately consult a doctor.

Fracture of the big toe – how to determine the main symptoms and first aid

Fracture of the big toe is a fairly common injury that a person can get while playing sports, at work, walking and even at home. Pain sensations differ from the severity of the injury and its size. For example, if we are talking about a fracture of only one nail phalanx, then it is quite easy to overlook it or even confuse it with an ordinary bruise. And precisely because of the latter, a slight fracture can lead to quite serious consequences and improper fusion. We strongly recommend that, after a strong blow or injury, you can contact a medical center to rule out a fracture or start its immediate treatment.

Signs of a broken toe

Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, symptoms can vary greatly. With a crack in the phalanx, pain is practically not felt, and the victim may not even be aware of the problem, very often the bone grows without plaster and fixation. When the first phalanx of the finger is fractured, severe, aching pain is felt.

When the toes are fractured, the general symptoms are as follows:\

• a hematoma forms at the fracture site;
• possible hemorrhage;
• the skin turns dark blue, the skin swells around the damaged bone;
• severe and sharp pain on any attempt to touch or move a finger;
• unnatural mobility of the injured finger;
• inability to lean on the affected leg;
• immobility or partially limited movement of the finger;
• fever and redness at the site of localization;
• with a fragmental fracture, shortening of the finger is possible;
• with an open fracture, a wound with bone fragments;
• marked twitching or throbbing of the finger.

On physical examination, crunching of bone fragments is observed if a short time has passed since the injury. The crunch is the result of broken bones rubbing against each other. Finger fractures are combined with damage to the ligamentous apparatus, sprain and dislocation of the phalangeal joints.

How to distinguish a possible bruise from a fracture

A bruise or a fracture can be determined by several parameters:

• Pain syndrome features.
• Finger movement.
• Skin color at the site of swelling (contusion).
• Presence of hemorrhage.
• Phalanx shape.

The clinical picture of a finger injury is as follows:

• The victim has a sharp pain, which begins to subside with time. The nature of the pain is “aching”. Using a cold compress can speed up the process of relieving pain symptoms.
• When bruised, the finger is not deformed. Immediately after the bruise, all movements are accompanied by sharp pain (pulsation is possible), as the pain subsides, the motor activity of the finger is gradually restored.
• Depending on the nature of the bruise, the color of the skin at the site of injury may be dark red, pink, pale pink. Puffiness may appear immediately, after a day or not at all. The blood at the site of the bruise spreads diffusely (scattered), a bruise may appear.

How to diagnose a finger fracture

• On palpation, the pain increases sharply and does not go away for a long time (an hour or two).
• With a fracture, there is a sharp pain that can radiate to the nearest parts of the foot. Deformation of the phalanx, unnatural position of the finger. Bloating and strong (acute) throbbing at the fracture site.
• With a fracture, the victim cannot move the injured finger. At any attempt to stand on a sore leg, the patient experiences acute pain. To relieve pain symptoms, the affected finger is fixed in one position.
• Hemorrhages form under the nail, hematoma and edema appear, the skin becomes cyanotic.

First aid for a broken finger

If you have symptoms that indicate a possible fracture, there is no need to panic in the first place. First of all, you should call an emergency ambulance. Prior to the arrival of a physician, all the efforts of the victim should be aimed at stopping the bleeding (with an open fracture), fixing the limb and anesthesia of the injury site. To prevent negative consequences, the following rules must be observed:

• even in the absence of severe symptoms, you should not refuse to consult your doctor;
• limb fixation is one of the main stages of effective treatment;
• a broken finger must not touch foreign objects;
• fractures without displacement may not be fixed until the ambulance arrives;
• pain syndrome can be removed with the help of nimesil, analgin and ibuprofen;
• cold compress is another effective way to relieve pain.

It is important to note that when applying an ice pack, keep the compress for no more than 10 minutes to prevent possible frostbite. Repeated procedure is possible after a 3-4 minute break. Even if a fracture is suspected, experts recommend immediately contacting a specialized medical institution for qualified help.

Treatments for broken fingers

Name	Description
Closed reduction	This method is used for a closed fracture and no displacement. Antiseptic agents are applied to the injured finger, after which the doctor returns the finger to its normal position by mechanical action (pulling). A significant disadvantage of this method is the need to repeat this procedure.
Skeletal traction	This method is used for a displaced fracture. This procedure requires a metal wire, which is passed through the finger with a small load, which allows the bones to be in a normal position. At the end of the procedure, the doctor performs immobilization.
Open methods	The surgeon performs osteosynthesis. Fixes bone fragments with special metal elements. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment * Name * Email * Website