What is broken toe?

Your child has broken (fractured) their toe. Depending on which toe and the type of fracture, they may not need a special cast or brace. Buddy-taping the broken toe to a healthy toe next to it is sometimes all you need to do. The toe may take 4 weeks or more to heal.

Symptoms of a broken toe may include pain when you move your toe. You may have noticed a snap or pop at the time of injury. There may be swelling and bruising. The toe may also be in a different position than normal.

Some broken toes can be cared for at home. Try using ice, elevating the foot, and resting.

Treatment depends on which toe is broken, where in the toe the break is, and how bad the break is. Medical treatment is needed more often for a broken big toe than for the other toes. If you don't have diabetes or peripheral arterial disease, your toe can be buddy-taped to the healthy toe next to it. Put some soft padding, such as felt or foam, between your toes before you tape them together. This helps protect the skin. Your injured toe may need to be buddy-taped for 2 to 4 weeks to heal. If your injured toe hurts more after buddy taping it, take the tape off.

Other treatment may be needed. Your doctor may recommend:

• Wearing a splint or cast to keep the toe stable and help it heal.
• Surgery. This may be an option for a bad break.

A fracture that isn't treated may cause long-term pain, limited movement, and deformity.

A broken toe is diagnosed through a physical examination. Your health professional will look for swelling, purple or black and blue spots, and tenderness. An X-ray may be needed to determine whether the toe is broken or dislocated.

Rest and protect your toe. Apply ice and prop up your foot so that it's above the level of your heart. Don't walk until you can do so without too much pain. Use crutches if your doctor suggests it. Protect your broken toe by buddy-taping it to the healthy toe next to it.

A broken toe is a break, or fracture, in a bone of your toe. A fracture can range from a hairline crack in the bone to the bone being broken into two or more pieces that no longer line up correctly.

You may break (fracture) one of your toes by stubbing it, dropping something on it, or bending it. A hairline crack (stress fracture) may occur after a sudden increase in activity, such as increased running or walking.