Broken toe

A broken toe is common. Any bone in any toe can break, often by stubbing the toe. A broken toe is also called a toe fracture.

Cause of a broken toe

Usually a broken toe results from a trauma (accident). This can be caused by forcefully stubbing your toe or by a heavy object falling on your toe. Entrapment can also be a cause.

A stress fracture is a break that does not occur due to a trauma, but from repeated overuse. This occurs mainly in athletes but is rare.

Symptoms of a broken toe

A broken toe may have the following symptoms:

• Pain.
• Swelling.
• Bruising.
• Blood under the nail.
• Inability to bear weight on the toe.
• Stiffness.

Diagnosis of a broken toe

The diagnosis is usually made by the general practitioner or in the emergency department. This is done through a simple physical examination. If in doubt, a röntgenfoto can be taken, but this is often not necessary.

Treatment for a broken toe

Treatment depends on which toe is broken. Usually rest and taping are sufficient to allow a broken toe to heal. Taping a broken toe is done using the so-called buddy method. This means the broken toe is taped together with the adjacent toe. The healthy toe then serves as a splint for the broken toe.

For a broken big toe, a cast is usually used for treatment. The big toe is extremely important for the push-off of the foot. Significant forces act on it. To allow the fracture to heal, casting is needed.

In rare cases, surgery is necessary for a broken toe. Surgery will mainly be necessary if the toe has shifted into a different position. The fracture is then fixed with a plate and small screws.

What can you do yourself?

With treatment - both without and with surgery - it is important to keep the toe elevated during the first few days. This limits swelling. Elevation means that the foot must lie higher than the hip.

How long does recovery from a broken toe take?

A broken toe usually heals within 4 to 6 weeks. After this, the toe, foot, and ankle are weakened. It then takes several more weeks before the toe is fully weight bearing. This means that you can walk right away, but sports are often not yet possible. The toe will also be stiffer as a result of taping or casting.

Swimming is usually possible right away even with tape or a cast. But sports involving running, jumping, or dancing will have to wait a bit longer.

Physical therapy

The physical therapist helps improve toe mobility, train strength, and improve coördination (motor control).