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BROKEN TOE

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BROKEN TOE

A broken toe is a common injury often caused by a trauma to the toes.

  • Each toe is made up of 2 or 3 small, fragile bones that play an essential role in walking and balance.
  • This crucial role in everyday life means that a broken toe can be inconvenient and highly painful.
  • Although it is believed that there is nothing to be done to a broken toe, this is not the case in some cases. It is safer to have toe fractures evaluated by a medical professional.
  • Severe injuries such as injuries that involve the big toe, an injury that leaves the toe crooked or causes an open wound should be evaluated.
  • If left untreated, severe broken toe injuries can lead to painful complications, such as infections, long-term pain in the toe, deformity of the bones in the toe, or increase the risk of osteoarthritis in the future. 

CAUSES

Broken toes usually result from trauma or injury to the foot or toe, such as stubbing the toe very hard, dropping a heavy object on the toe, or from falling.

A broken toe may also result from prolonged overuse of the toes as seen in certain sports where the toes are subjected to repetitive stress or movements.

SYMPTOMS

  • Pain or tenderness
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Bruising or discoloration of the skin around the affected toe
  • Bleeding if there is an open wound
  • Difficulty while walking
  • Shoes may feel tight or be painful to wear
  • Throbbing

You should go to an emergency department if you have the following symptoms:

  • The toe is pointing out at an odd angle
  • The bone is sticking out of your toe
  • Severe pain
  • Loss of sensation in the toe or foot
  • Any symptoms of open fracture including bleeding, open wounds, or drainage from near the broken toe
  • Blue or gray colored skin near the injury

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will carry out a physical examination. During the physical examination, the doctor will check for tender areas in the toes. The skin around the injury is also checked to make sure it is intact and that the toe is still receiving adequate blood flow and nerve signals.

If a broken toe is suspected, an X-ray may be ordered.

TREATMENT

Treatment option may depend on the location of the injury and its severity, it may include:

  • Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.) for mild cases
  • Over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers
  • Reduction procedure to fit a displaced bone back into its proper position
  • Casting
  • Buddy taping where an injured toe is wrapped and taped to the adjacent toe to keep it supported and protected.
  • A post-surgery shoe or boot with a stiff bottom that allows for walking without bending the toes may be recommended. This may help to keep the toe from flexing and keep some of the body’s weight off the sore toe.
  • In severe cases, surgery may be needed.
  • Additional medications of antibiotics and tetanus shot may be needed to prevent infection if the skin was broken during the injury