How do I know if my big toe is broken?
Signs and symptoms your toe may be broken include:
- Pain or tenderness.
- Swelling.
- Redness.
- Blood under the toenail or broken toenail.
- Stiffness.
- Bruises or discoloration of the skin around the toe.
- The toe may appear abnormal, and may even look bent or deformed if the broken bone is out of place.
What do you do for a broken big toe?
Broken and injured toes are often treated through:
- Ice.
- Rest.
- Splinting, known as “buddy taping,” where the broken toe is taped alongside a neighboring healthy toe.
- Casting, if the toe has become dislocated.
- Wearing podiatrist-provided stiff-soled shoes to support the fracture.
- Pain & anti-inflammatory medication.
Should I go to the doctor for a broken big toe?
When to Call a Doctor If you think you broke your toe, it’s best to have your doctor look at it. Even though you can often treat it yourself, a broken toe can sometimes lead to more serious problems, like infection, arthritis, or long-term foot pain.
How do I know if my big toe is sprained?
What are the symptoms of a sprained toe?
- pain, often in the entire toe or even the area around it.
- tenderness.
- swelling.
- bruising.
- trouble moving your toe.
- joint instability.
Will a broken big toe heal itself?
Most broken toes will heal on their own with proper care at home. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for complete healing. Most pain and swelling will go away within a few days to a week.
How painful is a broken big toe?
Usually a break will hurt right where the bone has fractured. With a sprain, the pain may be felt in a more general area around the toe. The only way to tell for sure if the injury is a break or a sprain is to see your doctor. They can examine your toe and determine the type of injury.
Did I break or sprain my big toe?
The critical difference between a broken and sprained toe is in the mobility of the toe. A broken toe will have little to no movement while a sprained toe will still have some mobility, although it may be painful. If you’re unable to move your toe, it may be broken.
What is the fastest way to heal a broken big toe?
Keep off your affected foot as much as possible and avoid putting pressure on it. Elevating the affected foot can also reduce swelling. Wear supportive shoes with a high, wide toe box or open toes to avoid further irritation or injury to the toe. Apply essential oils which help to aid in the healing process.
How long does a broken big toe take to heal?
Most broken toes heal well, usually within four to six weeks. Sometimes, a broken toe may become infected or increase the risk of osteoarthritis in that toe in the future.
How to mend a broken toe at home?
Ice pack. To reduce swelling,place some sort of barrier (i.e.