1. First Aid Essentials Slideshow Pictures
2. First Aid Bandaging Injuries Slideshow Pictures
3. First Aid Sprains & Strains Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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In this Article

• Introduction to broken toe
• What are the causes of a broken toe?
• What are the symptoms of a broken toe?
• What are the possible complications of a broken toe?
• When should I call a doctor about a broken toe?
• How is a broken toe diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for a broken toe?
• Caring for a broken toe at home
• Medical treatment
• Other therapy (reduction, buddy taping, how to tape a broken toe, casting)
• What is the outlook for a broken toe?
• Broken Toe At A Glance
• Patient Comments: Broken Toe - Treatments
• Patient Comments: Broken Toe - Diagnosis
• Patient Comments: Broken Toe - Symptoms
• Patient Comments: Broken Toe - Describe Your Experience
• Find a local Orthopedic Surgeon in your town
• Broken Toe Index

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.

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.