Broken Toe

A broken toe is a common condition which usually occurs through a direct impact or trauma to the toe. Common examples include stumping the toe or having the toe stood on!

There are 26 bones in the foot in total. 14 of these are classes as toe bones and are known as the Phalanges. There are three in each of the small toes and two in the big toe (hallux).

Symptoms

Immediate pain.
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.

Treatment

Treatment should involve taking weight off the feet, sitting with the foot elevated and applying cold therapsy such as an ice pack. If you think the toe might be broken it is always adviseable to visit your Doctor, who may advise an X-ray to confirm the injury.

A minor fracture is one of the small toes may not require any treatment other than rest. A crutch may be offered to help reduce the weight on the toe whilst it heals, but in many cases, walking in not severely affected.

For a broken big toe the foot may be placed in a walking boot for 2-4 weeks to protect it and to reduce the weight bearing whilst it heals.