Toe fracture - WatsonsHealth

TOE FRACTURE

Overview & Facts

In most cases, a broken toe or a toe fracture can be immobilized by taping it to a neighboring toe. But if the fracture is extreme — mainly if it includes your big toe — you may want orthopedic support or even surgery to make sure that your broken toe heals properly. Most broken toes heal nicely, typically within 4 to 6 weeks.

Types & Symptoms

Pain, swelling, or stiffness will arise in a broken toe following injury. It may be difficult to walk because of the pain, in particular with a broken large toe. This is due to the fact the big toe bears a lot of the weight of the body during standing or pivoting.

Other symptoms include:

  • A bruised toe
  • Bruising of the skin around the toe
  • Bent or deformed toe if the broken bone is out of place

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

A damaged toe is diagnosed with a medical examination, which may also consist of X-rays.

 

TREATMENT

  • Depending on the severity of the fracture, the toe may additionally need to be positioned into place (reduced), and a few compound toe fractures may require surgical operation.
  • It is managed with over the counter pain medicine
  • Buddy taping (taping the toe to an adjoining toe) may be used to splint a fractured toe.
  • Most broken feet heal within six weeks.
  • Can be cared for at home by reducing pain and swelling, the use of rest, ice, and elevation; allowing the fracture to heal properly. In certain conditions, a damaged toe may want hospital treatment consisting of maneuvering the toe back into place (reduction), casting, or splinting the toe.
  • If there is an open wound close to the injured toe, a tetanus shot and antibiotic remedy can also be necessary.

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