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A broken toe, also known as toe fracture occurs when the toe bone breaks after an injury. Each toe is composed of many bones and one or more of these bones may be fractured after dropping something on it or stubbing it.
A toe that is broken can be extremely painful and has the potential to become infected. However, in the majority of cases, healing occurs relatively quickly, usually taking between four to six weeks. The typical treatment for a fractured toe is to apply tape to it, securing it to the adjacent toe. In instances where the toe is severely broken, a cast or surgery may be required.
Failure to treat a fractured toe may lead to difficulties in walking and running. The break may raise the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis in that specific toe in the future.
Symptoms
At the time of the injury, one may hear the bone break. Generally, the first sign of a broken toe is throbbing pain. Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising or change of skin color in the area surrounding the toe
- Stiffness
- Toe is bent or at an unnatural angle
- Difficulty putting any weight on the toe
If any signs or symptoms of a broken toe persist, especially if it affects one’s ability to walk or stand, it is recommended to seek medical attention. Sometimes a sprained toe may be mistaken for a broken toe. However, a sprained toe typically doesn’t appear dislocated and is accompanied by less bruising than a broken toe. To determine whether it’s a break or a sprain, it’s best to consult a doctor immediately so they can examine the toe and determine the type of injury. It’s important to inform the doctor if there is any numbness or tingling in the toe, as this could be an indication of nerve injury.
Causes
Broken toes are frequently caused by trauma or injury to the foot or toe. It is most commonly caused by stubbing it into something hard or having something heavy fall on it.
A fractured toe can also occur as a result of a stress fracture or lengthy repeated movements, such as those involved in certain sports. It is also common to people who carry large goods without suitable foot protection, such as thick boots.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a broken toe starts with informing the doctor as thoroughly as possible about the injuries and the symptoms. A physical examination will be performed to examine the skin around the injury to ensure that it is not cut and that the toe continues to get blood flow and nerve signals. They will also look for painful spots on the toes.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may order X-rays of the damaged toe. It is critical to obtain photos from several angles in order to determine the extent of the break. The X-ray information will also assist in determining whether surgery is required.
Treatment
- Medications: Extreme pain may necessitate the use of prescription pain relievers to manage the symptoms of a broken toe. In most cases, pain may be treated with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or acetaminophen.
- Reduction: A reduction may be performed to reposition the fractured bone. The toe is numbed by ice or an injection of anesthesia. It is typically performed without cutting the skin.
- Keeping the toe from moving: To assist control pain and swelling, keep the foot elevated as much as possible, especially in the first two days following injury. Avoid movement of the fractured bone to help its ends knit back together and heal. The following methods may be used:
- Buddy taping: The typical treatment for a broken toe is known as “buddy taping,” which involves gently taping the affected toe to the adjacent toe using medical tape. The uninjured toe acts as a splint, providing support to the broken toe as it begins to heal. To avoid skin irritation, a gauze pad is usually placed between the toes before taping them together.
- Wearing a stiff-bottomed shoe: A post-operative shoe with a rigid sole and a flexible upper that fastens with fabric strips may be recommended by a healthcare professional. This type of shoe can help immobilize the toes and allow for more space to accommodate swelling.
- Casting: If the fragments of a fractured toe cannot be held firmly in place, a walking cast may be recommended to provide support. A walking cast may be prescribed to provide adequate support to the foot and to alleviate some of the pain that may be experienced when walking.
- Surgery: In cases of severe fractures, surgery may be necessary to realign the broken bone or bones. During surgery, a surgeon may insert pins, plates, or screws into the bone to assist with its healing. These metallic components will remain permanently attached to the toe.
