Broken toes can occur as a result from trauma to the toes. While most injuries to the toes, such as stubbing the toes, only involve soft tissue injury, pain, or bruising, more severe injury can cause one of the bones of the toes to break. Forcefully stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on the toes, or repetitive movement that puts stress on the toes can cause a bone to become fractured or break.
Symptoms of broken toes are pain and bruising. Stiffness and swelling can be broken toe symptoms. A misalignment or deformed appearance to the toe can be a broken toe symptom. Since the toes help with balance while walking, the person may struggle to walk without this support and from the pain. The toe nail may have sustained an injury during the trauma to the toes.
For diagnosis of broken toes, doctors may use x-rays to view the broken bone. The treatment for broken toe might begin with a realignment of the bone. Not all broken bones need to be put into place. It can be extremely painful to have a bone reset. The doctor may administer a pain reliever or local anesthesia before this broken toe treatment.
Though it is often not necessary, the doctor may use a cast or splint to provide support to the healing broken toe and immobilize as part of broken toe treatment. The physician may tape the broken toe to another toe. Surgical treatment for broken toes may be needed, especially if the big toe is broken.
The treatment for broken toe depends on the severity of the break and any existing complications. A simple break or fracture may only require rest, ice, and elevation to promote healing. A compound fracture means that the skin has been pierced by the broken bone. In those cases, the broken bone needs to be set in place and the skin wound needs to be treated. Broken skin from the trauma or the broken bone needs to be protected against infection. Injuries to the toenail may need to be treated though some will heal on their own. Pain relievers may be recommended or prescribed.
The person should seek emergency medical care if the toe becomes numb, cold, discolored, or tingles. The broken toe treatments may require follow up appointments with the physician. If there is any excessive bleeding or drainage from the injury, the person should immediately consult their physician or seek emergency medical care.
