Broken Toe
Overview
A broken toe is a fairly common injury. It's frequently caused by accidentally dropping something heavy on your foot or by stubbing your toe.
Typically, a broken toe is treated by taping it to the toe next to it. However, if the break is serious, particularly in the big toe, a doctor might need to use a cast or even surgery to make sure the toe heals correctly.
Most broken toes heal without any problems, usually within four to six weeks. But sometimes a broken toe can get infected. And, in some cases, a broken toe might increase the chances of developing arthritis in that toe later in life.
Symptoms
A broken toe can cause several noticeable problems. One of the most common symptoms is pain in the affected toe. You might also see swelling around the toe area. The skin might look different, perhaps turning a bluish or purplish color due to bruising or bleeding underneath.
If you have pain, swelling, or a change in skin color that lasts longer than a few days, or if the injury makes it hard to walk or wear shoes comfortably, it's important to see a doctor. They can properly diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of treatment.
When to see a doctor
If you have pain, swelling, or a change in the color of your skin that lasts longer than a few days, or if the injury makes it hard to walk or wear shoes, see a doctor.
Causes
Common causes of broken toes include dropping heavy objects on your foot or stubbing your toe on something hard.
Complications
Problems after a broken toe can include:
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Infection: If the skin around the broken toe is cut or damaged, bacteria can get into the bone, increasing the chance of an infection. This is why keeping the area clean and protected is very important. The infection can cause pain, swelling, and redness, and might require antibiotics.
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Osteoarthritis: A broken toe, especially if it affects one of the joints in the toe, can increase the risk of osteoarthritis later on. Osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down over time. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement in the toe joint. It's important to remember that this is a potential long-term concern, not something that will happen immediately.
Diagnosis
Doctors often check for tenderness in your toes during a physical exam. They also look at the skin around the toe to make sure it's not broken and that blood and feeling are still getting to the toe. This helps them figure out what's wrong.
An X-ray of your foot can show if a toe is broken. This is a helpful way to confirm if there's a fracture.
Treatment
Broken Toe Treatment: What to Expect
A broken toe often heals with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen. More intense pain might need stronger medicine from a doctor.
Sometimes, the broken pieces of the bone aren't aligned properly. To fix this, a medical professional might gently reposition the bone fragments. This is called "reduction." It's usually done without needing to cut the skin. They might use ice or numbing medicine to make the toe less sensitive.
For a broken toe to heal correctly, the broken bone ends need to stay still so they can grow back together. Here are some common ways to keep the toe stable:
- Buddy taping: This is often enough for small breaks in the toes. The injured toe is taped to the toe next to it. This helps keep the injured toe still while it heals. To prevent skin irritation, place gauze or a soft material between the toes before taping. The healthy toe acts like a splint.
- Special shoes: A doctor might recommend a shoe with a firm sole and flexible top to keep the toe from moving and to give space for swelling. This is especially helpful after surgery.
- Walking cast: If the broken bones aren't staying in place, a walking cast can help keep the toe still as it heals. The cast allows you to walk normally.
In more complicated cases, a surgeon might use small metal pins, plates, or screws to hold the bones together while they heal.
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