Broken toe injuries can result from various causes, including direct trauma, stubbing, or heavy objects falling on the foot. These injuries often occur during sports, accidents, or simple everyday activities. There are several types of broken toe injuries, each with distinct characteristics. Simple fractures involve a single break and usually heal without complications. Comminuted fractures, where the bone shatters into multiple pieces, are more complex and may require surgical intervention. Stress fractures, often caused by repetitive impact, present as small cracks in the bone. Displaced fractures occur when bone fragments shift out of alignment, potentially necessitating realignment. Identifying the fracture type is important for appropriate treatment and recovery. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist who can provide the correct treatment.
A broken toe typically occurs following either a sudden, traumatic injury, like dropping a heavy piece of furniture on the toe. The impact causes the bone to fracture and produces a variety of painful symptoms. If you suspect that you’ve broken your toe, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
Symptoms
Throbbing pain
Swelling
Bruising
Cracking sound at the time of injury
Difficulty bearing weight on the toe
Difficulty walking
Toe resting at an unnatural angle
Diagnosis
Your chiropodist can diagnose a broken toe through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays.
Treatment
The main goals of treatment are to ensure that the bone heals properly, as a toe fracture that doesn’t heal properly can lead to osteoarthritis. You will typically need to rest the affected toe. You may be prescribed a splint to immobilize the toe while it heals. Icing the affected toe and taking over-the-counter medications can help reduce pain. In cases of severe fractures, surgery may be necessary to reset the broken bones and make sure that they heal correctly.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
