Broken Toe (cont.)

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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.

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