One of the most common misconceptions regarding podiatric health is that there is nothing that can be done about a broken toe. This belief has led many to simply tape the affected to the neighboring one and hope for the best. The truth is; all bone fractures should be examined by a trained professional. Without a proper treatment plan, a broken toe can heal incorrectly, which can lead to a slew of other painful conditions down the road.
Signs of a Broken Toe
As is the case with any bone in your body, the only accurate way to know if you’ve suffered a fracture is to get a proper x-ray. However, since x-rays tend to be expensive, many shy away from seeking medical attention, assuming that their toe is only sprained and will heal on its own.
While sprains are common, a few tell-tale signs can help indicate if a toe is actually broken.
Limited range of motion – This is one of the most apparent indicators of a toe fracture. If you find that you are only able to bend or flex your toe partially (or you cant do so at all), you almost certainly have a broken toe.
Severe swelling and bruising – Fractured toes will bruise and swell almost immediately the following trauma, followed by swelling and extensive discoloration.
Persistent pain with no signs of improvement. – You can expect pain with any toe injury. However, if this pain doesn’t start to subside after a few days, you likely have a fracture.
While the signs of a broken big toe are often the most obvious to detect, these symptoms apply to all the other toes.
Should You See a Doctor?
If you know that you have broken your toe, you should absolutely seek advice from an experienced podiatric physician. Even with a small stress fracture, the damage can be worse than it appears on the surface.
Without proper treatment, further complications can quickly develop. For example, many patients report experiencing a build-up of scar tissue and arthritic pain following an avulsion fracture (when a small piece of bone connected to a tendon is pulled from the main bone structure.) to the big toe.
In many cases, treatment is rather simple. If no extensive damage has occurred, your doctor will likely put your toe in a special splint or a cast to properly align the bones and prevent them from moving while they heal. However, in more severe cases, surgery may be required to repair any affected bone or connective tissue.
If you are still experiencing discomfort during the healing process, the Mayo Clinic recommends managing the pain with over the counter medications such as ibuprofen, or acetaminophen.
Podiatric Care in Fresno, CA
The bones in your toes are among the smallest in your body, but when injured, they can bring you immense pain. If you suspect that you have broken a toe, don’t hesitate to seek treatment. At Canyon Oaks Foot and Ankle, our experienced doctors and therapists are among the best podiatrists in Fresno. For over 20 years, we have been treating foot fractures and know exactly what it takes to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. Click here to schedule an appointment today!