Fact Checked
A broken toe is a fracture when one or more bones of the toe of the foot are fractured after an injury such as dropping something on the foot or stubbing the toe. It is also caused by injury or trauma and prolonged repetitive movements and result to a type of broken toe called hairline or stress fracture.
Symptoms of a broken toe
- Stiffness
- Pain
- Swelling and redness
- Deformity of the affected area
- Bruising
- Difficulty in walking
- Injury to the toenail
- Wearing shoes that are very tight
Take plenty of rest especially the affected toe. Avoid performing activities that result to pain in the area for fast healing of the condition. - Pain or tenderness of the affected area
- Blood under the toenail or broken toenail
- Injury to the nail bed or subungual hematoma
- Bleeding, if there is an open wound
- Tingling sensations in the affected area
Treatment
- Take plenty of rest especially the affected toe. Avoid performing activities that result to pain in the area for fast healing of the condition.
- Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart to lessen the swelling and the pain. If lying down raise the area in couple of pillows to keep it elevated. Reclining in a chair is also good for the condition.
- Apply an ice pack at least 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours on the first 48 hours to reduce the inflammation and the pain. Another alternative if ice is not available, a bag of frozen vegetables such as corn or peas is good for the condition.
- Avoid performing strenuous exercises, prolonged periods of standing or walking.
- Use the prescribed crutches or a special walking shoe to prevent placing excessive weight on the fracture while in the healing stage.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for the pain and the swelling.
- If two ends of the broken bone are misaligned or displaced or the toe is pointing in the wrong direction, there is a need to put it back into proper alignment by means of reduction.
- Buddy tape the affected toe by wrapping a tape around the area and the toe next to it to prevent unnecessary movements and support the affected area. Put a piece of cotton or a cloth between the toes to prevent making the area moist. Change cotton every day.
- Wear the prescribed footwear with stiff bottom to protect the swelling toe. When swelling subsides, wear a stable and solid shoe for protection on the toe.
Tips
- Wear supportive and sturdy shoes to prevent injuries that result to broken toe.
- Gradually increase the amount of exercises such as walking every day. Return to normal activity once the swelling totally disappears.
- After performing any activities, apply ice on the toe.
More Information
The details posted on this page on a broken toe is for learning purposes only. To learn to properly manage this injury, enroll in a first aid course with one of our training providers.