Treating a Broken Toe

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A toe can become smashed or broken in lots of different ways. A heavy object such as a laptop computer can be dropped on your foot, and since your toes are right there in the front, they often receive the main force of the impact. Repetitive stress injury to the foot from participating in sporting activities and hard training and exercising can contribute stress over time causing the toe to eventually succumb to a stress fracture.

Minor and Severe Toe Fractures

Symptoms of a minor toe fracture will often include the following:

  • Throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruised skin and nail
  • Difficulty and pain in moving the toe

A minor toe fracture can usually be treated at home using the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method for the first few days following the injury. A minor toe break will often get better on it’s own without the occurrence of any major complications, but removing stress and weight from the foot is essential for this to occur properly. Immobilize the broken toe by taping it to the toe right next to it, while inserting a cotton ball between them to help prevent rubbing.

Symptoms of a severe toe fracture often include:

  • A severely broken toe will appear oddly bent or disfigured
  • Tingling and numbing sensation in the toe
  • Fever or chills may be indicative of a more severe injury
  • Bleeding and an open wound on the toe

A severe toe fracture needs immediate medical attention, and may be treated with a cast or splint, and sometimes minor surgery is needed to repair the damage. A broken toe will usually heal in five to six weeks, but if there is an infection, or if surgery is necessary, this can rise to eight weeks or even longer.

To reduce future complications from a broken toe, professional treatment by your foot care professional is essential. At E.J. Nemet Podiatry in Twinsburg,  E.J. Nemet, DPM, treats a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including sports injuries, pediatric foot problems, diabetic foot complications, nerve disorders, and toenail and skin conditions. With advanced technologies and a dedicated staff, Dr. Nemet provides expert and compassionate care to patients in the Twinsburg and Beachwood areas. To contact us or to schedule an appointment, please call (234) 212-9940.

Common Foot Conditions, Sports InjuriesE.J. NEMET DPM, LLC