The Orthopaedic Clinic

Toe Fracture - Toe Surgery Cape Town


Overview Diagnosis
  Treatment Options

Overview

A toe fracture is caused by trauma to the bone. Trauma can result from:

  • dropping something on your toe
  • stubbing your toe
  • falling down
  • direct blow to the toe

    Risk factors that increase your chances of fracturing your toe include:
  • advanced age
  • postmenopause
  • decreased muscle mass
  • osteoporosis
  • poor nutrition
  • participating in contact sports
  • violence
  • not wearing shoes

    Diagnosis

    The doctor will ask about your symptoms, physical activity, and how the injury occurred. Your doctor will examine the injured area and may take an x-ray of the foot, but this is not always necessary.

    Symptoms of a toe fracture include:

  • pain
  • swelling and tenderness
  • stiffness in the injured area
  • bruising in the injured area
  • numbness or tingling in the toes
  • visible deformity in the toe area
  • difficulty walking (sometimes)


    Treatment Options

    Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. Treatment involves putting the pieces of the bone together, which may require anaesthesia and/or surgery, or keeping the pieces together while the bone heals itself.

  • realigning the bones
    In many toe fractures, the bone is broken but the two pieces are in proper position. If the bones are out of position, the doctor will put the bones back into place. This is usually done without surgery. However, if your fracture is severe, you may need pins or screws to hold the bones in place. Each of these will require surgery. Once the bones are realigned, they need to be held in place while healing. The fractured toe may be taped to the toe next to it, or you may need a walking cast with a toe plate.

  • medication
    Take one of the following drugs to help reduce inflammation and pain:
    ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
    naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
    acetaminophen (Tylenol)
    aspirin

  • rest
    Do not participate in sports or activities until your toe is fully healed.

  • ice
    Apply ice or a cold pack to your toe for 15-20 minutes, four times a day for several days. This helps reduce pain and swelling. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin.

  • elevation
    Keep the injured foot raised above the level of your heart for 48 hours (such as up on a pillow). This will help drain fluid and reduce swelling.

    Prevention
    To help prevent a toe fracture:

  • Always wear well-fitted, supportive athletic shoes when doing physical activity.
  • Wear shoes to protect your feet.
  • Eat a diet rich in calcium (pdf file) and vitamin D.
  • Do weight-bearing exercises to build strong bones.
  • Build strong muscles to prevent falls.

    How can I prevent a toe fracture?
    To help prevent a toe fracture:

  • Always wear well-fitted, supportive athletic shoes when doing physical activity.
  • Wear shoes to protect your feet.
  • Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
  • Do weight-bearing exercises to build strong bones.
  • Build strong muscles to prevent falls.

    Improving Sports Performance
    The key to improving sports performance after a toe fracture is proper a rehabilitation program, and adhering to some of those same principles after the injury is gone.

    Also remember that the single most important aspect of improving performance is stretching before and after you step onto the field, court, ice, or golf course.

    Benefits derived from stretching include:

  • increased physical efficiency and performance
  • decreased risk of injury
  • increased blood supply and nutrients to joint structures
  • increased coordination
  • improved muscular balance and postural awareness
  • reduced stress
  • enhanced enjoyment

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