Broken toes are a frequent injury in children and often happen during play, sports, or accidentally bumping into furniture. These injuries can be painful but are sometimes overlooked because the toe may not look badly damaged. Common signs include swelling, bruising, limping, or tenderness when touched. Some children may not be able to move the toe or may avoid putting weight on the foot. Because children’s bones are still developing, even small fractures should be looked at carefully to avoid future problems with growth or alignment. Treatment includes rest, taping the toe to a neighboring toe, wearing a protective shoe, or limiting activity. If a child injures a toe and the pain does not improve or walking becomes difficult, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for an exam, ensuring the toe heals properly.

A broken toe typically occurs following either a sudden, traumatic injury, like dropping a heavy piece of furniture on the toe. The impact causes the bone to fracture and produces a variety of painful symptoms. If you suspect that you’ve broken your toe, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Symptoms

• Throbbing pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Cracking sound at the time of injury

• Difficulty bearing weight on the toe

• Difficulty walking

• Toe resting at an unnatural angle

Diagnosis

Your chiropodist can diagnose a broken toe through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays. 

Treatment

The main goals of treatment are to ensure that the bone heals properly, as a toe fracture that doesn’t heal properly can lead to osteoarthritis. You will typically need to rest the affected toe. You may be prescribed a splint to immobilize the toe while it heals. Icing the affected toe and taking over-the-counter medications can help reduce pain. In cases of severe fractures, surgery may be necessary to reset the broken bones and make sure that they heal correctly.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.