Broken Toe (cont.)
Medical treatment
Depending on the location and severity of the toe fracture, the fracture may
need to be put back into place (reduced) and splinted or casted. If there is an
open wound near the injured toe, a tetanus shot and antibiotic medication may
also be necessary.
If there is an open (compound) fracture of the toe, surgery may be necessary
in some cases, and antibiotics will be given. This type of fracture should be
seen by a doctor immediately.
Medications
Usually only acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen
(Motrin) is needed for
pain. For a severe fracture, the doctor may prescribe a stronger pain
medication.
Other therapy (reduction, buddy taping, how to tape a broken toe, casting)
Reduction
- If the toe fracture is displaced (the two ends of the broken toe bone are
out of place) or rotated (the toe is pointing in the wrong direction), the
doctor may need to reduce it, or set the broken toe back into place.
- Sometimes local anesthesia may be needed to numb the
toe before it is put back into place.
- After a reduction, a splint will be applied to the broken toe to hold it in
place while it heals.
Buddy taping
- If there is a minor or small fracture in a bone of one of the small toes, a
doctor may only need to tape the injured toe to the one next to it for support.
This treatment is called buddy taping.
- If the toe is buddy taped, it is usually safe to bathe, and then replace
the tape afterward, however, check with the doctor prior to removing the tape to
bathe.
How to tape a broken toe
- Put a small piece of cotton or gauze between the
toes that are taped together. This prevents the skin between the toes from
developing sores or blisters. Using as little tape as necessary, loosely tape
the broken toe to the toe next to it. If the toes are taped too tightly it can
cause additional swelling and may cut off
circulation to the injured toe.
Casting
- A cast is usually not required for a simple toe fracture. A hard-soled,
sturdy, and supportive shoe should be worn. A doctor may give the patient a special shoe to
wear if the foot or toes are very swollen.
- A cast (or surgery) may be needed if the big toe is
broken, a fracture involves a joint, several small toe fractures occur at once,
or if a bone in the foot or leg is broken in addition to the toe.
Next: What is the outlook for a broken toe? »
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