How You Can Fracture Your Toe
There are several ways you can fracture your toe. One of the most common is from a sports injury. Soccer players, football players, and others who practice contact sports can experience a toe fracture. You can also develop a toe fracture from a heavy object dropped on your toe.
Types of Toe Fractures
You may develop a stress fracture, which can be caused by changing the duration or intensity of a sport or activity, which can stress the bones in your toes. Stress fractures can develop due to a change in the surface you are exercising on. Stress fractures can also occur as you get older, due to arthritis and osteoporosis.
The other type of fracture is a bone fracture, in which the bones in your toe are broken or moved out of proper alignment. This type of fracture is common from trauma or an accident.
Signs and Symptoms of a Toe Fracture
You might be suffering from a toe fracture if you:
- Feel pain that worsens when you put weight on your toe
- See swelling and bruising on your toe
- Experience toe pain when you touch your toe
- Feel relief from pain when you rest your toe
- Experience toe pain which increases when you are active
What You Need To Do if You Have a Toe Fracture
If you think you might have a toe fracture, you need to relieve weight on your toe. Rest and elevate your toe as much as possible. You should also:
- Place ice packs on your toe for 20 minutes several times daily to limit swelling
- Wrap your toe in a bandage to support and cushion your toe
- Take anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen to reduce swelling and pain
Professional Treatments for a Toe Fracture
Your podiatrist can help you heal from a toe fracture and may recommend:
- Prescription anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and pain
- Immobilization with a boot or cast, to protect your toe and make walking easier
- Splinting to help realign your toe
- Surgical treatment to repair broken bones, tendons, and ligaments in your toe
Want To Know More?
To find out more about signs, symptoms, and treatment of a toe fracture, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Gary Rogers, a podiatrist at Wilmette Foot and Ankle Clinic in Wilmette, IL. You can reach him in the office by calling (847) 256-4434, so call today.
