Broken toes are a common injury. They may happen because of a heavy object falling on one or more of the toes, as well as stubbing a toe into a piece of furniture. There is often immediate bruising and swelling, and it can be difficult to move. A bone that protrudes from the skin can look deformed and will need immediate medical attention. If the fracture is severe, as in the preceding description, surgery may be necessary to align the bone back into its proper place. For mild breaks, the buddy taping system is often effective. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, which provides the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. If the big toe is broken, some patients need to have it put in a cast for extra support. Using crutches may be recommended and this is helpful in keeping all weight off the affected toe while being able to walk. Severely broken toes may have blood that is trapped under the toenail possibly causing extreme pain. This can require the blood to be drained through a small hole that is made in the nail or it may be necessary to remove the nail. It is suggested that patients who have broken a toe see a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, ultimately leading to proper healing.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Grand Blanc Family Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Grand Blanc, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.