With the vast majority of foot bones being in the toes and metatarsals in the midfoot, it is no wonder that broken toes are a fairly common occurrence. Broken toes are usually traumatic (due to impact or a direct injury) but can also be stress related (hairline cracks due to repetitive stress). Traumatic breaks in a toe bone may be accompanied by an audible sound that occurs when the toe is broken, pain at the site of the break, bruising and swelling the following day, and an abnormal or crooked appearance. Stress fractures occur over time and are often due to repetitive movements that place pressure on the bone of a toe. They can also be caused by deformities or abnormalities in the foot’s structure, medical conditions that cause bone weakness and fragility (osteoporosis), and due to wearing improper shoes. Stress fractures can cause swelling and pain that is pinpointed, or that comes and goes, coinciding with periods of activity and rest. It is a misconception that if you can walk on a toe, it is not broken. If you believe you may have broken a toe, call a podiatrist. All breaks should be evaluated and treated by a podiatrist to allow proper healing and to avoid future complications such as deformities, arthritis, and chronic pain.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Alexander Terris from Total Foot Care. 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 office located in Wilmington, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.