What is the healing time for a broken toe?
Here are some tips on healing a broken toe, from the team at Entire Podiatry:
- Use ice to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling as soon as possible after sustaining a toe injury. ...
- Keep off your affected foot as much as possible and avoid putting pressure on it. ...
- Consider taking an anti-inflammatory pain medication such as Nurofen. ...
Should you go to the doctor for a broken toe?
You can manage a fractured toe very safely yourself as long as it isn't your big toe, isn't crooked or out of line and there is no skin wound over or near the fracture. You should, however, see a doctor for your broken toe if: The pain becomes worse and isn't relieved by normal painkillers.
Should I go to the doctor for a broken toe?
- Most swollen, bruised and painful toes are not broken.
- X-rays are only needed for severe pain and severe injuries.
- If the big toe might be broken, it should be seen by a doctor. ...
- A broken great toe is not urgent. ...
- The treatment is the same whether or not the toe is broken.
- The treatment of all broken toes is pain medicine and comfortable footwear.
How do you heal a broken toe?
Wiggling and curling your toes is also beneficial for sending ... Again, repeat the exercises ten times. As the broken bone begins to heal, your doctor will typically ask you to progress to ...
When should you go to the doctor for a broken toe?
You should, however, see a doctor for your broken toe if: The pain becomes worse and isn't relieved by normal painkillers. The swelling and bruising don't start to improve in a few days. There is an open wound associated with the break.
Do doctors do anything for a broken toe?
If the broken fragments of your bone don't fit snugly together, your doctor may need to manipulate the pieces back into their proper positions (reduction). Doctors can usually do this without cutting open your skin. Ice or an injected anesthetic is used to numb your toe.
Should I go to hospital or doctor for broken toe?
Seek immediate medical care if you suspect an open fracture of the toe; if there is bleeding; cold, numb, or tingling sensation; if the toe appears deformed or is pointing in the wrong direction; or blue or gray color to the injured area. A broken toe is diagnosed with a medical examination, which may include X-rays.
What happens if you leave a broken toe untreated?
A fractured toe that's left untreated can lead to infection You're at increased risk of developing a bone infection if you have diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or a compromised or weakened immune system. Symptoms that suggest your toe has developed a bone infection include: Fatigue.
Will walking on a broken toe make it worse?
Although it may be possible to move and walk on your broken toe, you should avoid doing so as this can lead to even greater damage and prolonged healing time.
How do you tell if toe is broken or sprained?
While sprained toes usually still can be moved and flexed (albeit with pain), broken toes usually won't move at all (or at least not very much). Broken toes are also more likely to cause numbness or tingling, more likely to cause bleeding, and more likely to cause “unusual” symptoms like disorientation or faintness.
How do I know if my toe injury is serious?
See a doctor if:the toe is very swollen.the pain is severe and does not go away after several hours.it is difficult to walk or to put weight on the foot.the toenail falls off or the area around it is very swollen.there are signs of infection around the toenail, such as itching, redness, and pus.
Is a broken toe an emergency?
A broken toe can be painful, but you do not usually need to go to hospital. There are things you can do to treat it at home.
Can Urgent Care treat a broken toe?
If you have an exposed bone, it's best to head to the emergency room. Otherwise, you can schedule an appointment with your regular healthcare provider or visit an urgent care. If your toe is badly broken, you may need to see a foot and ankle surgeon. With proper treatment, most broken toes heal without complication.
Can you bend your toe if it's broken?
After the injury, pain, swelling, or stiffness can occur. Bruising of the skin around the toe may also be noticeable. The toe may not look normal, and it may even look bent or deformed if the broken bone is out of place.
Should a broken toe still hurt after 2 weeks?
Your toe is likely to be tender and swollen, even after a few weeks. You'll likely need to avoid running, playing sports, or walking long distances for one to two months after your injury. Recovery time can be longer if the break is in one of the metatarsals.
Should a broken toe still be swollen after 4 weeks?
A typical toe fracture will take about 6 weeks to heal. However, residual swelling and dysfunction can persist for even longer. It is not uncommon to still have residual symptoms following a significant toe injury even 3-4 months after the injury.
Can Urgent Care treat a broken toe?
If you have an exposed bone, it's best to head to the emergency room. Otherwise, you can schedule an appointment with your regular healthcare provider or visit an urgent care. If your toe is badly broken, you may need to see a foot and ankle surgeon. With proper treatment, most broken toes heal without complication.
Can a broken toe heal on its own?
Most broken toes will heal on their own with proper care at home. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for complete healing. Most pain and swelling will go away within a few days to a week.
What should I do for a broken toe?
Broken Toe TreatmentPrevent Swelling and Further Injury. Stay off the foot as much as possible. Avoid movement or pressure that causes pain. Apply ice up to 20 minutes at a time. ... Get Help. If you have severe pain, can't walk, the toe looks bent or deformed, or the pain lasts for a long time, see a doctor.Follow Up.
What is the best treatment for a broken toe?
Treatments for a broken toe include:Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE): The RICE method is useful for many types of injuries, including broken toes. ... Buddy taping: This involves wrapping the toe and taping it to the adjacent toe to keep it supported and protected.More items...
How to get rid of a broken toe?
Make sure the tape isn't too tight. Also make sure you remove it and apply fresh tape and padding after washing your injured foot. Pain relief: take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve the pain. Ibuprofen gel applied to the toe may be helpful if the skin isn't broken.
How long does it take to walk with a broken big toe?
Broken big toe: 2-3 weeks in a walking boot or cast, then. 3-4 weeks in a stiff-soled shoe. Return to work and sport in 6-8 weeks is usual. Broken lesser toes, including broken pinky toe: Buddy strapping and use of a stiff-soled shoe. Walking when bearable.
Why does my toe go numb?
The toe goes numb or tingly. This suggests pressure on, or damage to, the nerves to the toe (which run up the side of the toe, one on each side). The skin on the toes has turned blue (other than bruising) or grey and is cold to the touch when the other toes are not. The toe is bent at an angle or with an open wound.
What to do if your toe is swollen?
Ibuprofen gel applied to the toe may be helpful if the skin isn't broken. Protection: wear sturdy shoes with stiff soles, that don't squash or bend the toe. You can begin normal activity once the swelling has gone down and you're able to wear a protective shoe comfortably.
What does it mean when your toe is broken?
A broken (fractured) toe is a fairly common injury which usually needs no specific treatment . It is most often caused by dropping a heavy object on to your foot or badly stubbing your toe.
Why are toe bones so vulnerable?
However, toe bones are more vulnerable because they are small bones and because they are on the edge of the body, so are more likely to be injured in the first place. A broken little toe, caused by stubbing it, may be particularly common due to its position.
Why do you cast a broken big toe?
A broken (fractured) big toe may be put in a cast to support it, as it takes much more of your weight than the other toes and is also needed for balance. The big toe is more likely than the smaller toes to need surgery in order to heal properly and to be as strong as it was before you broke it.
What is a broken toe?
A broken toe is often the result of a painful and significant event, such as falling, stubbing the toe very hard, or dropping an object on the toe. These types of breaks are known as traumatic fractures. Traumatic fractures can range from minor to severe.
How to prevent toe break?
Injuries and accidents are not always avoidable, but the following steps may help minimize the risk of breaking a toe: Avoid wearing non-supportive shoes, such as flip-flops. Flip-flops offer little support to the foot, which can cause unnecessary strain on the muscles and bones.
What does it mean when a toe is displaced?
A displaced fracture means the broken bone has moved out of place. This may occur with more severe traumatic fractures. A displaced fracture in the toe can cause the toe to appear crooked. In some cases, a displaced fracture may break the skin and result in the bone protruding out of a wound.
Why does my toe crack?
Without the support of the muscle, the toe bone becomes vulnerable to pressure and impact. Too much stress on the bone eventually causes it to crack. Symptoms of a stress fracture in the toe include: pain that occurs after activities such as walking or running. pain that goes away with rest.
Why does walking on a broken toe hurt?
Walking on the broken toe too soon can delay or prevent healing. This may cause pain for months or even years after the injury. Arthritis in the affected joint. A person may develop arthritis if the bone is broken near a joint in the toe and is not correctly aligned before it heals.
How to prevent toe fractures?
Improve balance and posture. Regular physical activity, including strength training and balance exercises, can reduce the risk of slips and falls that result in toe fractures. Keep diabetes under control. People with diabetes are at risk of neuropathy, which damages the nerves in the feet.
What is stress fracture?
Stress fractures are usually small hairline breaks that occur after repeated stress on the bone. They are a type of overuse injury and often occur in bones of the legs and feet.
When to see a doctor for a broken toe?
When to See a Doctor for Broken Toe. If your toe is misshapen or a bone is sticking out, seek medical care immediately. It’s also a good idea to see a doctor if your big toe is the one affected, as injuries to this toe are more likely to be severe. You should also see a doctor if you experience any numbness or tingling in your foot, ...
How to help a broken toe?
If your foot is not obviously deformed and there are no visible bones, at-home first aid for an injured toe and a broken toe are the same. Get off your feet as soon as possible. Elevate the injured foot to minimize swelling. (Elevating the foot can also relieve the throbbing pain you may feel when your foot is lower than your heart.)
What to do if your toe hurts when you wear shoes?
If it hurts to wear a shoe, keep your shoes off as much as possible. If you must wear a shoe, choose one that’s roomy. Some people recommend “buddy taping,” or wrapping the injured toe and the one next to it with tape, to keep the injured toe stable.
What to take for toe pain?
Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed. You can use either acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin). Because ibuprofen has anti-inflammatory as well as pain-relieving properties, many healthcare providers recommend ibuprofen for injuries. Do not walk or bear weight on your toe if it hurts to do so.
Why do my toes break?
Osteoporosis, or thinning and weakening of the bones , can also cause broken toes. Osteoporosis increases the likelihood that a toe will break if something is dropped on it. Excess stress on the foot can cause broken toes as well. Runners, for instance, may develop stress fractures, or tiny cracks in the bones of the toe.
What to do if your toe is numb?
If you cannot walk normally within a day or two of your injury, consult a physician.
How to get rid of a toe injury?
Wrap an ice pack in a thin towel and apply it to your injured toe. The ice will ease your pain and decrease inflammation. Keep the ice in place for 20 minutes, if you can; then, remove. Apply ice to your toe for 20 minutes every hour you’re awake. The next day, ice your toe at least two or three times.
What to do if you broke your toe?
This keeps your toe from bending too much and allows room for swelling. If you broke your toe all the way through and the bone moved, your doctor may need to set it back in place. First, you’ll get a shot to numb your toe. Then your doctor moves the bones back together with their hands. There’s no surgery involved.
How to diagnose a broken toe?
Broken Toe Diagnosis. First, your doctor will ask you what happened and what symptoms you’re having. They’ll check for tenderness and broken skin around your toe. They’ll also test your nerves and blood flow. Then, if your doctor thinks it’s a break, you’ll likely get an X-ray. Broken Toe Treatment.
What does it mean when your toe is broken?
A broken toe is when you break a bone in one of your toes. Each of your toes has three bones, except for the big toe, which has two. A break can happen when you stub your toe really hard or drop something on it. A broken toe doesn’t usually need much medical care. In fact, it can be tough to tell whether you broke it or just hurt it badly, ...
What happens if you break your toe?
When you break a toe, you’ll likely have: 1 Pain and tenderness in your toe 2 Pain when you walk or put weight on your foot 3 Redness or bruising 4 Stiffness 5 Swelling
How long does it take for a broken toe to heal?
Broken Toe Recovery. Most of the time, your toe will heal in about 4-6 weeks. But it could take as long as 8 weeks for more serious breaks. You’ll need to hold off on sports and other physical activities until your doctor gives you the green light. If you start those too soon, you might re-injure your toe.
What does it mean when your toes are numb?
An illness that impacts the nerves or blood flow in your feet, like diabetes. Fever or chills. Intense pain under your toenail (possibly a blood buildup under the nail) Numbness, tingling, or coldness in your toe. Pain that gets worse or doesn’t get better with over-the-counter pain medicine.
How to keep your foot from hurting when you're awake?
For very serious breaks, you may need surgery to put in pins or screws that hold the bones in place. Keep your foot raised while sitting or lying down (above your heart is best) to keep the swelling and pain down. Put ice on your toe for 20 minutes every hour while you’re awake. That’s for the first 24 hours.
How to tell if you broke your toe?
Other clues to a broken toe include swelling, discoloration and bruising. If your toe is at a different angle than the toe on the other side — and it wasn’t before your injury — seek medical help right away, Dr. King says. Advertising Policy.
What to do if your toe is hurting?
If so, try icing the injury and taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, Dr. King says. However, if severe pain or swelling persists, see a doctor. Also, observe your injured toe carefully, Dr. King says. If it has a deep cut or wound, your bone might be exposed to air and so should be evaluated by a physician.
What to do if your toe bone is dislocated?
Afterward, you may be required to wear a walking boot. If you have significant displacement or your toe is dislocated, you might need surgery to realign the bone.
How long do you have to wear a walking boot after a fracture?
If the break is a simple fracture, in which the parts of your bone are still lined up properly, your doctor will probably put you in a walking boot for about three weeks , Dr. King says. The walking boot keeps your toes immobile so the bones can knit back together in alignment.
Can you tap a broken toe?
Taping a suspect ed broken toe can help alleviate pain if the break is simple and the bones are aligned. However, this won’t help the break to heal correctly, so it’s important to see a doctor, Dr. King says. If you had a bad break, taping your toes could actually make things worse, he says. Advertising Policy.
Can a toe fracture cause arthritis?
King says. Even if it’s a simple fracture, your toe could heal improperly, which can cause problems down the road, such as arthritis.
What to do if your toe is broken?
Fortunately, if the toe is broken, a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon in Atlanta can help treat your toe. Here are the symptoms of a broken toe as well as how it should be treated.
Why is it important to see a doctor for a broken toe?
Importance of Seeing a Doctor. Many people dismiss the seriousness of a broken toe because they assume there's not much an orthopedic foot specialist in Atlanta can do about a broken toe. However, ignoring a broken toe can lead to a chronic, painful condition called osteoarthritis, which causes pain in the joints.
How to heal a broken toe?
However, in more serious breaks, the doctor may recommend splinting the toe by taping the broken toe to the adjacent toe with medical tape to keep the toe from moving while it heals. A very serious break may require an orthopedic surgeon to perform surgery to reset the broken bone. Sometimes, a permanent pin is placed in the bone to ensure it heals properly. With a broken toe, it's important to allow yourself time for the toe to fully heal. Returning to regular activity too soon will prolong healing time and possibly cause more damage.
Why do you put a pin in your toe?
Sometimes, a permanent pin is placed in the bone to ensure it heals properly. With a broken toe, it's important to allow yourself time for the toe to fully heal. Returning to regular activity too soon will prolong healing time and possibly cause more damage. « Back to News.
How to tell if a toe is broken?
As with a sprain, you'll have difficulty putting weight on the foot if you have a broken toe. If the break is severe, you'll probably be able to tell that the toe is broken because of the unnatural angle of the toe. You may have even heard a breaking sound when the injury occurred. If you originally suspect the toe is just sprained, you may wait a few days to see a doctor. If this is the case, the pain won't subside after a few days like it will with a sprain. The only way to determine if the toe is broken is to see a doctor who will usually order an x-ray .
Can a broken toe cause nerve damage?
In addition to future problems from the broken toe itself, you may have sustained nerve damage, especially if you have tingling or numbness in your toe. Visiting the doctor can help assess the severity of the break to determine what course of treatment will be best.
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A broken toe, also known as a toe fracture, is a very common injury. Studies show that it occurs most often in people who are active or participate in sports. The pinky toe is the most commonly fractured digit with the break occurring at the base of the toe.
Symptoms
A broken toe can be painful, but must not necessarily. If you do feel pain in your broken toe, it’s important to score the pain on a scale of 0-10 with 10 being the worst.
Causes
A broken toe can have many different causes, but here are the most common ones:
Diagnosis
When you contact your doctor about a toe fracture, he or she will typically ask you several questions about when you first noticed the injury and your medical conditions.
Treatment
If it’s not your big toe doctors will usually recommend treating your condition at home.
Conclusion
Broken Toes are a common injury, and they can be painful. The good news is that there are many treatments to help relieve the pain and decrease swelling in your foot. If you’re looking for some relief from your toe pain, resting your foot and applying ice packs may give you some relief.
How to diagnose a broken toe?
Diagnosis of a broken toe is done via a combination of x-ray and medical examination. For a broken toe what to do to manage the pain yourself is keep it raises, apply an ice pack, and stay off it. For a severe injury such as a broken big toe joint the toe may need to be put back in place.
What happens if a child's toe is broken?
If it is a broken toe in child then the parents will also answer these questions. The toe will be examined to see if there are any additional injuries. You will be given an x-ray so that the broken toe images they produce will let the doctor know how badly the bone is broken.
How to heal a broken pinky toe?
For example, taping a broken 4th toe to a healthy 3 rd. Broken pinky toe healing time as well as the rest of the toes, is on average six weeks.
What is the most common cause of a fractured toe?
14 of these are at the front or tip of the toe, and 5 of them, the metatarsals are at the back of the toe. Trauma such as a stubbed pinky toe is the most common reason for a fractured toe to occur.
Why do my toes get damaged?
Our toes, located at the front of our feet, are easily damaged during an accident involving the foot. Stress and repetitive movements over a long period of time can result in a stress or hairline fracture of the toe.
Why is my toe bent out of shape?
Bruising of the skin around the toe. A toe bent out of shape due to a displaced bone. A fractured toe can cause other problems, these complications will either happen during recovery or further into the future, possibly many years later. People who have weak bones are likely to fracture a toe more often.
Why does my toe break?
Often, a broken toe is caused by injury or trauma. Repetitive movements over a prolonged period can result in a hairline or stress fracture. Broken toe symptoms include having difficulty walking, a toe being deformed in some way, bruising on the toe or foot, stiffness, swelling and pain. Complications can occur with broken toe injuries ...
How to Know if You Have Broken Your Toe
It ’ s easy to confuse a broken toe with one that’s sprained. The pain on a sprained toe mostly subsides after a few days. However, only a doctor can confirm whether it is a fracture or a sprain. The following symptoms will help know whether you have a broken toe:
What to Expect When You Visit Your Doctor
The doctor will begin by asking questions on the circumstances under which the toe was injured and probably examine you for other injuries. He may take X-rays to evaluate the extent of the fracture. An MRI may be recommended if the doctor suspects you have stress fractures caused by repetitive movement or overuse.
Broken-Toe Treatment Options
In the event of a severely broken toe, the doctor could recommend surgery to reset the severed bone. Minor breaks can be effectively treated by buddy taping, which involves securing of the broken toe to the neighboring one using medical tape to give it the support it needs to heal. A gauze pad between the two toes prevents skin irritation.
