Toe Fractures: Overview
A toe fracture is caused by trauma to the bone. Trauma can result from:
Risk factors that increase your chances of fracturing your toe include:
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:
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.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.
Take one of the following drugs to help reduce inflammation and pain:
ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
acetaminophen (Tylenol)
aspirin
Do not participate in sports or activities until your toe is fully healed.
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.
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.
How can I prevent a toe fracture?
To help prevent a toe fracture:
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:
