Toe Fracture

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? A toe fracture is a break in the bone of the toe. A broken bone usually takes about six weeks to heal. If the toe still hurts, you may need an x-ray to see how the toe is healing.

What causes a toe fracture? Toes can be broken in many different ways. They are often broken when crushed, while playing a sport, or when exercising.

What are the signs and symptoms of a toe fracture?

• Your toe may hurt when you put weight on it or walk. You may not be able to bend or move your toe.
  
  
• The skin on your broken toe may swell, bruise, and hurt. If the skin is broken, the toe may bleed.
  
  
• Your toe may feel weak, numb, or tingly. It may also feel stiff.
  
  
• Your toe may not look normal or may even look bent if the bones are out of place.

How is a toe fracture diagnosed? Your caregiver will examine you and ask questions about your injury. You may need x-rays. These are pictures of the bones inside of your toes and foot.

How is a toe fracture treated? Your treatment will depend on which toe is broken and the type of fracture you have. You may need to do one or more of the following to treat your fractured toe:

• Buddy taping: Your caregiver will put a small bandage between the fractured toe and the toe next to it. Then the caregiver will tape both toes together with adhesive tape. This helps to support and prevent movement of your broken toe so that it can heal. Wear wide shoes with stiff soles. These will also help to prevent movement and protect your toe.
  
  
• Special shoe: Your caregiver may give you a special shoe or walking cast to wear. This will limit movement and protect your toe so it can heal. This shoe may also make it easier for you to walk.
  
  
• Ice, elevate, and rest: Put crushed ice in a plastic bag or use a bag of frozen peas or corn. Cover it with a towel. Place this on your toe for 15 to 20 minutes every hour as long as you need it. Lift your foot above the level of your heart and rest it on pillows while sitting or lying down. This will help decrease the swelling and pain of the toe. Rest your toe and do not exercise with that foot until your toe is healed.
  
  
• Medicine:
  
  
  • Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
    
    
  • Over-the-counter pain medicine: You may use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for your pain. These may be bought at grocery and drug stores. Ask your caregiver before taking OTC medicine if you are also taking pain medicine ordered (prescribed) for you.
    
    
  • Tetanus shot: If you scratched or tore some skin, you may need a tetanus shot. This shot will protect you against tetanus (the bacteria that causes lockjaw).
  
  
• Reduction: If your toe bone is dislocated or displaced (the broken parts are out of place), you may need a reduction. During this procedure, your caregiver lines up the broken parts of bone so they can heal normally. If your toe bone is severely (badly) dislocated or injured, you may need surgery. During surgery, you may have a reduction done. You may need to have pins or screws put into your bone. These can help to keep the broken bone parts lined up so your toe can heal correctly.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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