Broken Toe (cont.)
When should I call a doctor about a broken toe?
Go to a hospital's emergency department if the following signs or symptoms
are present:
- Any symptoms of a possible open (compound) fracture which include open
wounds, bleeding, or drainage from near the broken toe;
- Cold, numb, tingling, or
unusual sensation in the toes;
- Blue or gray colored skin near the injury.
Call a doctor if any of the following occur:
- If the broken toe pain worsens or new pain is not relieved by pain
medication;
- Sores, redness, or open wounds near the injured toe;
- A cast or splint is damaged or broken.
How is a broken toe diagnosed?
It is best to seek medical evaluation soon after the injury to ensure proper
treatment and healing.
- A doctor will ask questions to determine how the toe was injured and will
examine the injured toe and possibly check for other injuries.
- A doctor may take an X-ray to
evaluate if the toe is broken or fractured. X-rays are
not always necessary to diagnose a broken toe, especially if the break is in one
of the smaller toes.
- Stress fractures, due to overuse or repetitive movement,
may need an MRI to
be diagnosed.
What is the treatment for a broken toe?
Caring for a broken toe at home
A broken toe can be can be treated at home (providing it is not necessary to
see a doctor or go to the emergency room for treatment). The following can be done
to help decrease pain and swelling
from a broken toe and to help the fracture heal properly.
- Rest: Avoid strenuous
exercise, prolonged standing, or walking. Crutches
may be needed, or a special shoe to wear when walking to avoid putting weight
on the fracture while it heals.
- Ice: Put ice in a plastic bag and apply it to the injury for 15-20 minutes
every 1-2 hours for the first 1-2 days. Place a towel between the skin and the
ice to protect the skin. Frozen peas or corn can also be used to ice the broken
toe as well. The peas or corn may conform to the fractured area better than
ice.
- Elevation: To decrease swelling and pain, keep the
foot raised above the level of the heart as much as possible. Prop the foot up as much as possible
(for example use several pillows),
especially when sleeping. Reclining in a lounge chair is also helpful.
Next: Medical treatment »
- Foot Pain - Read about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of foot pain. Pain in the feet may be caused by poorly fitting shoes, injuries, or diseases such as diabetes and gout.
- Hematoma - Learn about a hematoma, a collection of blood outside a blood vessel. Types of hematomas include head, scalp, ear, septal, pelvic, intramuscular, subungual, and intra-abdominal.
- Fracture - Read about fracture of bone(s). The most common fractures are stress fractures, rib fractures, skull fractures, and fractures in children. Causes vary and treatment is dependant upon the type of fracture.
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