Broken toe

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

Cause of a broken toe

A broken toe usually occurs due to trauma (an accident). This can be stubbing your toe hard or a heavy object falling on your toe. Crushing may also be a cause.

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

Symptoms of a broken toe

A broken toe can 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 GP or at A&E. This is done by a simple physical examination. If in doubt, an X-ray can be taken, but this is often not necessary.

Treatment for a broken toe

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

With a broken big toe, plaster is usually used as part of the treatment. The big toe is extremely important for the roll-off of the foot. A lot of force is placed on it. To allow the fracture to heal, plaster is needed.

In rare cases, an operation is necessary for a broken toe. An operation will be necessary especially if the toe has adopted a different position. The fracture is then fixed with a small plate and screws.

What can you do yourself?

With treatment - both without and with surgery - it is important that you keep the toe elevated during the first few days. This limits the 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. Thereafter, the toe, foot and ankle are weakened. It then takes a few more weeks before the toe is fully load-bearing. That means you can walk straight away, but sport is often not yet possible. The toe will also be stiffer as a result of tape or plaster.

Swimming is usually possible straight away after the tape or plaster. But sports involving running, jumping or dancing have to wait a bit longer.

Physiotherapy

The physiotherapist helps improve the mobility of the toe, train strength and improve coordination (control).