Toe Fracture

A complete or incomplete break in one or more bones of the toes.

Body Parts Involved

• Any of the bones of the toes.
• Joints between the toes, and joints between the foot and toe bones.
• Soft tissue around the fracture site, including nerves, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels.

Causes

• Direct blow to the toe, as when kicking or being stepped on.
• Indirect stress to the toe. Indirect stress may be caused by twisting.

Signs & Symptoms

• Severe pain at the fracture site.
• Swelling of soft tissue around the fracture.
• Visible deformity if the fracture is complete and the bone fragments separate enough to distort normal toe and foot contours.
• Tenderness to the touch.
• Numbness or coldness in the toe if the blood supply is impaired.

Treatment

Note:- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.

First Aid

• Cut away the shoe and sock, if possible, but the injured toe to do so.
• Follow instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letters of rest, ice, compression and elevation.
• The doctor will realign the broken bones with surgery or, if possible, without This manipulation should be done as soon as possible after injury. Six or more hours after the fracture, bleeding and displacement of body fluids may lend to shock. Also, many tissues lose their elasticity and become difficult to return to a normal position.

Continuing Care

• Immobilization will be necessary. Place felt between the fractured toe and a good toe, then fix the toes together with adhesive strips. Cut the top of the shoe out and have a shoe repairman apply a bar on the sole of the shoe (metatarsal bar). Then bear weight on the foot as pain allows.
• Use frequent ice massage. Fill a large Styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a baseball. Do this for 15 minutes at a time, 3 or 4 times a day, and before workouts or competition.
• After 48 hours, localized heat promotes healing by increasing blood circulation in the injured area. Use hot baths, showers, compresses, heat lamps, heating pads, heat ointments and liniments, or whirlpools.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe:

• General anesthesia, local anesthesia, or muscle relaxants to make bone manipulation and fixation possible.
• Narcotic or synthetic narcotic pain relievers for severe pain.
• Stool softeners to prevent constipation due to inactivity.
• Acetaminophen (available without prescription) for mild pain after initial treatment.

Home Diet

During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs.

Diagnostic Measures

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• X-rays of the toe and foot.

Prevention Tips

Wear appropriate footgear for running and participation in contact sports.