What You Can Do For Your Broken Toe

Patient with a broken toeWhether it's dropping a can of soup on your foot or whacking your toe against a wall, we've all been there before—hopping and holding our beaten, bruised toe. While you may not think anything of these common “stubs,” you may soon experience a throbbing, swollen, broken toe. A broken toe is painful, so don’t suffer through it—visit your podiatrist for a diagnosis and proper treatment plan.

How Is a Broken Toe Treated?

Treatments for a broken toe aim to reduce the pain and swelling and help the fracture heal properly. Your podiatrist offers these at home solutions:

  • Elevation – by keeping your foot raised above the level of your heart, you can help decrease swelling and discomfort. Prop your foot up on some pillows, especially when sleeping.
  • Ice – put ice in a plastic bag and apply it to your injured toe for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours. Do this for the first day or two.  Don’t forget to place a towel between the skin and the ice to keep your skin protected.
  • Rest – avoid any strenuous exercise, prolonged standing, or walking.  You may need crutches or a special shoe to avoid placing extra weight on the broken toe.

Depending on the location and severity of your broken toe, your podiatrist might need to splint or cast your toe. Contact us for further diagnosis and treatment planning for the proper healing of your broken toe, so that you can get back to your normal day-to-day schedule.