Broken Toe

Symptoms of a broken toe include: pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking.

1. Prevent Swelling and Further Injury

• Stay off the foot as much as possible.
• Avoid movement or pressure that causes pain.
• Apply ice up to 20 minutes at a time. Wrap it in a towel; do not apply directly to skin.
• Keep the foot elevated as often as possible, especially the first 2 days after injury, to help control pain and swelling.
• For pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

2. Get Help

• If you have severe pain, can’t walk, the toe looks bent or deformed, or the pain lasts for a long time, see a doctor.

3. Follow Up

• Stay off your foot and avoid activity that causes pain for 3-4 weeks.
• Wear a shoe with a stiff sole to protect the injured toe and keep it stable. Avoid shoes that put pressure on the toe.

SOURCES:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: "Toe and forefoot fractures."

American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, "Toe and Metatarsal Fractures (Broken toes).”