Do You Have a Broken Toe?
We often hear the myth, “there is nothing that can be done for a broken toe.” The opposite is true! Early treatment requiring proper positioning the toe and taping it correctly, will help prevent future arthritis, pain and possible surgery.
Many of our patients experience injuries affecting the feet and ankles. Common issues are banging your foot or toes or dropping something on your foot, stepping on something or twisting your foot and ankle. Most of us have stubbed our toes, often while walking barefoot.
Seven Symptoms - You May Have a Toe Fracture:
Difficulty walking
Toenail discoloration
Crooked & misshapen appearance of the toe
Black and blue in the surrounding area
Pain lasting more than 5 days
Swelling
Deformity
A broken toe, also known as a toe fracture, is a very common injury, especially in athletes and those with active lifestyles. Out of the five toes (also known as digits of the feet) the pinky toe is the most commonly broken toe followed by the big toe, with the fracture often occurring at the base of the toe.
Fracture Toe Falsehoods
Although broken toes are well known, the treatment of them seems to be clouded with many unknowns and falsehoods. Here are the common responses you should be skeptical of next time someone tries to give you “advice” for your broken toe:
Should I see a doctor for a broken toe?
“There’s nothing a doctor can do for a broken toe.” – False. This is not only untrue, but can be harmful. If a fractured toe is not treated promptly and correctly, serious complications may develop!
Can you move and walk on a broken toe or other broken bone?
“If you can still move it then it’s not broken.” – False. This is another harmful old wives’ tale. Although it may be possible to move and walk on a broken bone in your foot or toe, you should avoid doing so as this can lead to even greater damage and prolonged healing time.
Should you soak a broken toe?
“Any toe injury should be soaked in hot water or with Epsom salts immediately!” – False. If you suspect your toe (or any bone) is broken, hot water or any heat applied to the area can make it worse! Heat causes an increase in blood flow, which leads to more swelling and more pain. Instead, apply an ice pack for a maximum of 15-20 minutes to help numb your toe and decrease swelling. However, it’s important to not overdo it as too much ice may cause frostbite.
What to Do for a Broken Toe: Care & Treatment
Broken toes usually require x-rays-Broken and injured toes are often treated through:
Ice
Rest
Proper splinting the toe (strapping) Do not buddy splint (tape to adjoining toe) as that may make the break worse.
Wearing podiatrist-provided stiff-soled shoes to support the fracture
Pain & anti-inflammatory medication
If the joint is disrupted or the bones have become dislocated, the toe may require surgery.
Improper or Delayed Treatment
If your toe or foot fracture is not properly handled, or treatment is delayed you may experience a wide range of consequences and side effects, including:
Motion limiting deformity & long-term dysfunction
Development of arthritis around the fracture
Non-healing & worsening of the fracture
Development of chronic pain
Compound fractures & infection
Difficulty wearing shoes
Early examination and treatment of any fracture is essential for proper healing. Our podiatrist have extensive training and experience in the non-surgical and surgical treatments of any foot, ankle, or toe fracture.
Contact Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle and let us help with all your foot and ankle needs. Dr. Lawrence J. Kales is an experienced and dedicated podiatrist who provides high-quality individualized care. Call us today at (727) 868-2128 or (352) 683-5799. You can also visit us online to request an appointment. We are conveniently located Hudson/Bayonet location office.