Toe Fractures (Broken Toe)

What is a Toe Fracture? 

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A fracture is a broken bone. Each toe has 3 small bones in it,except for the big toe which only has 2. Any of these bones can be broken.

How does a Toe Fracture Occur?

A toe fracture usually occurs when the toe is stubbed or something is dropped onto it.

How is a Toe Fracture Diagnosed?

With a toe fracture, the toe is usually swollen and bruised. Bleeding or damage to the nail may indicate that there is a laceration (cut) under the nail that should be evaluated at an urgent care or emergency department. X-rays will usually show the fracture.

How is a Toe Fracture Treated?

If there is a laceration under the nail, it may need to be repaired with stitches. Surgery is rarely needed to treat toe fractures. Toe fractures are usually treated by buddy-taping the injured toe to the toe next to it. A patient can walk on the injured foot if he/she is comfortable or may want to walk on his/her heel if it is easier until the pain improves. A hard-soled shoe or postop shoe can also be used if walking is painful. This will help with walking because the toe does not have to bend as much.

A piece of gauze or cotton should be placed between the toes to absorb moisture that can occur when the toes are taped together. This will avoid skin breakdown or sores between the toes.

Two pieces of ½” tape are then used to tape the two toes together. If you have wider tape, it can easily be split down the middle.

One piece of tape is placed at the base of the toes that are being taped together, and another piece is placed near the end of the toes.

A patient can walk on the injured foot if he/she is comfortable or may want to walk on his/her heel if it is easier until the pain improves. A hard-soled shoe or postop shoe can also be used if walking is painful. This will help with walking because the toe does not have to bend as much.

What is the Expected Outcome?

Toe fractures usually heal within 4-6 weeks. Sports and physical activities can be resumed when the pain is gone. Problems with growth are very rare.