A broken toe happens when one of the small bones in a toe cracks or breaks. It can result from stubbing your toe against furniture, dropping something heavy on your foot, or an injury during sports. The smaller toes are easily injured, but the big toe can also break. A broken toe can cause sharp pain, swelling, and bruising. Some people notice that the toe looks crooked or feels painful when they put weight on the foot. These signs should not be ignored, especially when the big toe is involved.

Not every painful toe is broken, so an accurate diagnosis matters. A podiatrist can examine the injured area and check whether the toe is properly aligned. X-rays can show where a bone has broken and whether the pieces have moved out of place. A fracture in the big toe can be especially troublesome because that toe plays an important role in balance and pushing off while walking. An untreated fracture can heal in the wrong position and lead to lasting discomfort. Severe pain, an unusual toe position, or an open wound calls for prompt evaluation.

Treatment for a broken toe depends on which bone is injured and how serious the break is. A podiatrist may stabilize the toe by securing it to the neighboring toe. This approach is called buddy taping. A stiff-soled shoe or protective boot can help limit movement while the bone heals. When a toe is out of position, the podiatrist can assess whether it needs to be carefully realigned. Follow-up visits help track healing and guide a safe return to normal activities. If you have broken your broken toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Lawrence Fallat, DPM from Michigan. Our doctor 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 offices located in Canton and Taylor, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.