A toe fracture is a break in a toe bone. The bones in the toes are called phalanges.
Causes
A toe fracture is caused by trauma to the bone. Trauma can result from:
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease, condition, or injury.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
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Pain
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Swelling and tenderness
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Stiffness in the injured area
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Inability to move toe
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Bruising in injured area
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Numbness or tingling in the toes
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Visible deformity in the toe area
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Difficulty walking (sometimes)
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, physical activity, and how the injury occurred, and will examine the injured area. Your doctor may take an x-ray of the foot, but this is not always necessary.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. Treatment involves:
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Putting the pieces of the bone together, which may require anesthesia and/or surgery
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Keeping the pieces together while the bone heals itself
Realigning the Bones – In many toe fractures the bone is broken, but the two pieces are in proper position. If the bones are out of position, the doctor will put the bones back into place. This is usually done without surgery. However, if your fracture is severe, you may need pins or screws to hold the bones in place. Each of these will require surgery. Once the bones are realigned, they need to be held in place while healing. The fractured toe may be taped to the toe next to it, or you may need a walking cast with a toe plate.
Medication – The following drugs may help reduce inflammation and pain:
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Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
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Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
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Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
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Aspirin
Rest – Do not participate in sports or activities until your toe is fully healed.
Ice – Apply ice or a cold pack to your toe for 15–20 minutes, four times a day for several days. This helps reduce pain and swelling. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin.
Elevation – Keep the injured foot raised above the level of your heart for 48 hours (such as up on a pillow). This will help drain fluid and reduce swelling.
Prevention
To help prevent a toe fracture:
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Always wear well-fitted, supportive athletic shoes when doing physical activity.
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Wear shoes to protect your feet.
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Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
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Do weight-bearing exercises to build strong bones.
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Build strong muscles to prevent falls.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org
The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
http://www.aofas.org
References:
The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society website. Available at: http://www.aofas.org.
Broken toe. eMedicine website. Accessed April 1, 2001.
