Breaking any bone in the body can be a serious threat to your overall health and well-being. Broken toes are no exception. Since the bones in the toes are smaller, they can be particularly vulnerable to being injured and broken. When broken, toe bones will often bleed and swell. It is common also to identify blood beneath the toenail. Breaking bones in the toes is usually extremely painful and can make walking especially difficult. Many patients will wonder how long it takes for a broken toe to heal. Although it varies depending on the patient, the injury, and the particular toe bone, there are several rules of thumb to follow. Broken big toes generally take longer to heal. After wearing a walking boot and then eventually a shoe with a stiff sole, patients can recover from broken big toes in approximately 6 to 8 weeks. Broken toes other than the big toe, commonly the pinky toe, take less time to heal. For example, after strapping and wearing shoes with stiff soles, a patient can recover from a broken pinky toe in 4 to 6 weeks. No patient wants to suffer a broken toe injury for longer than is necessary or to prolong the pain. However, it is important to let the bone take time to properly heal. Always talk with a podiatrist to ask questions about your broken toe bone and how it can be treated.
A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What to Know About a Broken Toe
Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
- Throbbing pain
- Swelling
- Bruising on the skin and toenail
- The inability to move the toe
- Toe appears crooked or disfigured
- Tingling or numbness in the toe
Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.
Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
