If you have ever experienced a broken toe, you may be familiar with the pain and inconvenience that’s often associated with this condition. The toes are an important element in maintaining the body’s balance and it’s suggested to seek treatment as soon as possible. There are several ways your toes can fracture. These may include dropping a heavy object on the foot, falling, or another condition such as arthritis or gout which can weaken the bones in the toes. There are obvious symptoms that accompany a broken toe, including bruising and swelling, in addition to pain that does not subside. To properly diagnose this condition, an X-ray is generally performed and the correct treatment is determined by the severity of the break. If the bone is protruding through the skin, surgery may be necessary to ensure proper healing by placing the bone back into place. Please speak to a podiatrist if you have concerns and would like additional information about broken toes.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Mark Gagnon from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Crestwood, Orland Park, and Summit, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.