How to Heal a Broken Toe

Using the RICE protocol The most effective treatment regimen for musculoskeletal injuries (including pressure fractures) is abbreviated with the English words RICE, ie rest – rest , ice – ice ice , compression and elevation . The first step is to rest. Temporarily stop all activities related to the painful toe to heal the injury. Next, apply cold therapy (ice wrapped in a thin towel or frozen gel pack) on the broken toe as soon as possible to stop internal bleeding and reduce swelling, preferably with the foot elevated on a chair or on the floor. Pillows (this also helps reduce swelling). Ice should be applied for 10-15 minutes every hour, then reduce the frequency when pain and swelling have subsided for a few days. ^[4] ice to the foot with a compression bandage or elastic bandage will also help reduce swelling.

• Do not apply pressure too tightly or apply pressure for more than 15 minutes at a time, as completely obstructed blood flow can cause further damage to the foot.
• Uncomplicated toe fractures heal quickly, usually taking about four to six weeks, and by then you can gradually return to sports activities. ^[5]

Take non-prescription drugs. Your doctor may give you anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, or common pain relievers like acetaminophen to help fight inflammation and relieve pain from a toe injury. ^[6]

• These drugs are usually not good for the stomach, liver and kidneys, so you should not take them for more than two weeks at a time.

Support tape for toes. Bandage the injured toe to the adjacent healthy toe (called a “couple” dressing) for support and also to help correct it if it is crooked (you need to talk to your doctor first if you notice that the toe is swollen). crooked look). ^[7] Wipe the toes and feet thoroughly with rubbing alcohol, then use medical tape, preferably one that is waterproof, so that it doesn’t get in the water when bathing. Change the tape every few days for a period of several weeks.

• Consider placing gauze or felt between your toes before dressing to avoid skin irritation.
• You can make a simple splint at home for extra support by placing popsicle sticks on either side of your toe before bandaging the toes together.
• If you can’t bandage your toe on your own, ask your family doctor, specialist, chiropractor, podiatrist or physical therapist for help.

Wear comfortable footwear for four to six weeks. As soon as the injury occurs, change to comfortable footwear to allow enough room for the swollen toe and splint. Choose shoes that are firm, firm, and sturdy instead of fashionable styles. Avoid wearing high heels for at least a few months, as they will shift your body weight forward and be very cramped for your toes. ^[8]

• Open-toe sandals can be helpful if your toes are swollen, but keep in mind that they don’t protect your toes.

Osteoarthritis surgery. If the broken pieces don’t fit together, the orthopedic surgeon will put the pieces of bone back into place – this is called osteopathic surgery. ^[9] In some cases, osteopathy can be performed without surgery, depending on the number and location of broken bones. A local anesthetic is injected to relieve pain. If the skin is torn from the injury, stitches may be needed to close the wound and apply an antiseptic.

• With open fractures, quick treatment time is important to avoid possible blood loss, risk of infection and necrosis (tissue death due to lack of oxygen).
• Your doctor may prescribe strong pain relievers such as narcotics before administering the anesthetic in the operating room.
• In case of severe fracture, use forceps or screws to hold in place while the wound heals.
• Osteopathy is not only used for open fractures, but also to treat severe dislocations.

Splint. After chiropractic for a broken toe, a splint is often required to immobilize and protect the toe during the healing period. Or you may need to wear a supportive compression shoe, but either way you’ll probably still need crutches to get around for a short time (about 2 weeks). During this period, your doctor will recommend that you limit your movements and put your feet up when lying down.

• While a splint can support and cushion the toe, it does not protect the toe, so be careful not to trip it when walking.
• During treatment, it is important to ensure a diet rich in minerals, especially calcium, magnesium and boron, as well as vitamin D to help keep bones strong. ^[10]

Powder bundle. If multiple toes are broken or other bones of the foot are also injured, your doctor may place a plaster or fiberglass cast on the entire foot. You may also be advised to wear low-profile shoes if the bone fragments do not fit together. Most broken bones will heal if they are put back in place and protected from trauma and intense pressure.

• After surgery, especially with a cast, severely broken toes can heal in six to eight weeks, depending on the location and extent of the injury. ^[11] After a long period of wearing a cast, you may need to rehabilitate your foot as described below.
• After a week or two, your doctor may order another X-ray to make sure the bones are in place and healing properly.

Watch for signs of infection. If the skin breaks near the injured toe, you run the risk of infection in the bone or surrounding tissues. ^[12] The infection will be large, red, warm, and tender to the touch. Sometimes the infection drains pus (showing active white blood cells) and has a foul odor. If you have an open fracture, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics for two weeks to prevent the growth and spread of bacteria.

• Your doctor will do a thorough examination and prescribe antibiotics if there are signs of infection.
• Your doctor may recommend a tetanus shot after a serious fracture from a stab wound or broken skin. ^[13]

Use orthopedic insoles. Orthopedic insoles are designed to support foot curvature and provide biomechanical support during walking and running. ^[14] After a broken toe, especially the big toe, gait and foot biomechanics can be altered for the worse by limping and trying to avoid touching the toes. Orthopedic insoles will help reduce the risk of problems in other joints such as ankles, knees and hips.

• Severe fractures are always associated with a risk of arthritis in the surrounding joints, but orthopedic insoles can reduce this risk.