Broken toe bones can either be acute, traumatic fractures, or stress fractures. Traumatic fractures may occur suddenly due to a direct impact—such as stubbing your toe forcefully on a piece of furniture. The affected bone can crack and become displaced. You may hear a sound at the time of injury, feel pain at the point of impact, and see swelling and bruising the following day. You may also have a crooked or abnormal looking toe following the injury. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in bones that occur over time due to repetitive damage, often from playing sports or wearing poorly-fitted shoes. These types of fractures can cause pain during or after normal activity that may go away with rest, pain at the site of the fracture when it is touched, and swelling. Toe fractures that do not receive prompt and proper treatment may become chronically painful, deformed, or arthritic. If you suspect that you may have broken a toe, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible. 

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors from Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. 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 office located in South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.