How do you immobilize a broken toe?
Immobilization
- Buddy taping. If you have a simple fracture in any of your smaller toes, your doctor may tape the injured toe to its neighboring toe.
- Wearing a stiff-bottomed shoe. Your doctor might prescribe a post-surgical shoe that has a stiff bottom and a soft top that closes with strips of fabric fastener.
- Casting.
How long does it take for a broken toe to heal?
Most broken toes heal well, usually within four to six weeks. Sometimes, a broken toe may become infected or increase the risk of osteoarthritis in that toe in the future.
Can a broken toe be straightened?
If your toe is crooked after the injury, the bone may be out of place and may need to be straightened in order to heal properly. This may be done either with or without surgery. Most broken toes will heal on their own with proper care at home. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for complete healing.
How do you tell if toe is fractured or sprained?
The critical difference between a broken and sprained toe is in the mobility of the toe. A broken toe will have little to no movement while a sprained toe will still have some mobility, although it may be painful. If you’re unable to move your toe, it may be broken.
How can I get my broken toe to heal faster?
Keep off your affected foot as much as possible and avoid putting pressure on it. Elevating the affected foot can also reduce swelling. Wear supportive shoes with a high, wide toe box or open toes to avoid further irritation or injury to the toe. Apply essential oils which help to aid in the healing process.
How long should I buddy tape my broken toe?
Never tape the toes together skin-to-skin. Your broken toe may need to be buddy-taped for 2 to 4 weeks to heal. Rest and protect your toe. Do not walk on it until you can do so without too much pain.
What is it called when you break your toe?
Most broken toes are called “stress” or “hairline” fractures, which means a small surface crack that’s not serious enough to misalign the bones or break the skin’s surface. Less commonly, a toe can be crushed such that the bones are completely shattered (a comminuted fracture) or fractured such that…
What should I do if I think I have a broken toe?
The first thing you need to do if you believe you have a broken toe is to stay off of it and get in touch with a doctor. Try to ice the affected area of your foot, and keep it elevated until you can get medical help. Once your doctor performs an examination, if a break is suspected, then the broken toe may be splinted.
What does a broken toe look like with a broken bone?
You may be able to see blood beneath the toenail. In addition, the two ends of the broken bone may be out of line (displaced), or the break may go into the toe joint. In this case the toe will look misshapen. It’s painful to walk on a broken toe.
What kind of cast do you put on a broken toe?
If more than one toe is broken or other bones of the forefoot are injured (such as the metatarsals), then your doctor might apply a plaster or fiberglass cast to your entire foot. Short-leg walking casts are also recommended if the fragments won’t stay snugly together.