Fracture-Toe
A fracture is a break in the bone. Fractures can be divided into 2 categories: traumatic fractures and stress fractures. Traumatic fractures are caused by direct application of force to the bones causing the fracture. This type of fracture can be a result of stubbing your toes against the leg of a table. Stress fractures are tiny hairline breaks usually caused by repetitive stress, such as walking. For example, runners can experience stress fractures from the repetitive loading of the foot during running. Abnormal foot structure, and shoe wear can also contribute to occurrence of stress fractures. Most fractures in the toes are traumatic fractures.
Symptoms:
Acute fractures are usually associated with immediate onset of pain at the site of fracture. A sound at the time of the break might be audible. With a displaced fracture (fracture that has shifted), an abnormal appearance of the foot might be observed. Bruising and swelling is observed the next day.
Treatment:
Treatment of non-displaced fractures (non-shifted) can be conservative involving rest, non-weightbearing, immobilization, and/or casting. However, if the fractures are displaced (shifted), and affect the mechanical function of the foot and ankle, surgery is recommended.
Below are treatment options specific to toe fractures:
A fracture is a break in the bone. Fractures can be divided into 2 categories: traumatic fractures and stress fractures. Traumatic fractures are caused by direct application of force to the bones causing the fracture. This type of fracture can be a result of stubbing your toes against the leg of a table. Stress fractures are tiny hairline breaks usually caused by repetitive stress, such as walking. For example, runners can experience stress fractures from the repetitive loading of the foot during running. Abnormal foot structure, and shoe wear can also contribute to occurrence of stress fractures. Most fractures in the toes are traumatic fractures.
Symptoms:
Acute fractures are usually associated with immediate onset of pain at the site of fracture. A sound at the time of the break might be audible. With a displaced fracture (fracture that has shifted), an abnormal appearance of the foot might be observed. Bruising and swelling is observed the next day.
Treatment:
Treatment of non-displaced fractures (non-shifted) can be conservative involving rest, non-weightbearing, immobilization, and/or casting. However, if the fractures are displaced (shifted), and affect the mechanical function of the foot and ankle, surgery is recommended.
Below are treatment options specific to toe fractures:
- Splinting. The toe may be fitted with a splint to keep it in a fixed position.
- Rigid or stiff-soled shoe. Wearing a stiff-soled shoe protects the toe and keeps it properly positioned. Use of a postoperative shoe or boot walker is also helpful.
- Buddy taping. Taping the fractured toe to another toe is sometimes appropriate, but in other cases, it may be harmful.