Broken Toe
Broken toes can be painful and usually occur as a result of severe impact.
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
- Pain (instant if from a traumatic injury, gradual onset if a stress fracture).
- Swelling is common.
- Bruising may appear, if there is associated soft tissue injury.
- In severe fractures which have become displaced the toe may look deformed.
- Often with fractures of the smaller toes, the patient is not aware that they have a fracture.
Fractures
The toes are made up of 14 bones called phalanges, 3 in each of the small toes and 2 bones in the big toe (hallux). Fractured phalanges are different from a fractured metatarsal, which is actually in the foot, rather than the toes.
Fractures to the phalanges usually occur as a result of a direct trauma, such as something being dropped on the foot, or even stumping your toe! The Hallux (or big toe) can suffer a stress fracture, which is common in adolescent athletes.
The most common toe fractures include a broken big toe and broken little toe (pinky toe). This is because these two toes are more exposed, the others are protected more by the other toes.
Treatment for a Broken Toe
- Take the weight off the foot, elevate it and apply cold therapy as soon as possible.
- If you suspect a broken toe you should visit your Doctor for a consultation where you may be referred for an X-ray.
- Often, a minor fracture in one of the smaller toes will not require any treatment and the patient will not be disabled for any period of time.
Fractures in the Hallux (big toe), or more complex fractures may require the patient to wear a walking boot to protect the foot and reduce weight bearing for 2-4 weeks. Alternatively the Doctor may buddy strap the toe - meaning it is taped to the toe next to it to help immobilise it.
