Toe Fractures Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
Toes are made up of three bones, called phalanges, with the exception of the great toe, which has only two. Because our toes are typically very active throughout our lives in walking, jumping, stretching, and all kinds of movement, it is very common to break one.
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The information on this page refers to all toes except for the great toe.
Toes comprise three bones, called phalanges, except for the great toe, which has only two. Because our toes are typically very active throughout our lives in walking, jumping, stretching, and movement, it is common to experience toe fractures, often called broken toes.
One or more of the three phalanges in the toe can fracture, resulting in a painful injury that usually does not usually require surgical intervention to heal properly. Nonetheless, some more serious toe fractures, especially if they involve multiple toes, may be treated with an operation, as they can cause long-term complications like toe misalignment that impact quality of life and athletic performance if left unchecked.
What causes Toe Fractures?
A toe fracture can occur in any of the toes due to trauma, such as a forceful impact (i.e., stubbing your toe) or if a heavy object is dropped on the toe. Fractures can be simple cracks in the bone (non-displaced) or completely separated or angled bone fragments (displaced fractures). Stubbing your toe is one of the most frequent mechanisms of injury resulting in a broken toe.
Toe fractures are common in many sports, particularly activities with high impact on the feet, such as sprinting, jumping, or kicking. One example is the dancer’s fracture, in which a rolling or twisting ankle movement can break a phalanx of the small toe.
Repetitive impact on the toes may not immediately result in significant pain but can weaken the phalanges, causing tiny hairline fractures known as ‘stress fractures.’ You may even find yourself experiencing pain from stress fractures long after ceasing the aggravating activity. One telltale sign of injury can be swelling in the toe, especially if it persists alongside tenderness or bruising.
Toe fractures most commonly occur in the following sports:
- Track and field
- Football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Running
- Dance
- Gymnastics
- Wrestling
Symptoms
The typical signs of a toe fracture include:
- Pain
- Deformity
- Swelling
- Bruising or discoloration
- Loss of sensation
When to see a doctor
Contact your physician if you are experiencing particularly bad pain, swelling, or deformity, especially if it lasts more than a few days. As part of the diagnostic process, your doctor may run imaging tests such as:
- X-Ray
- CT Scan
Non-operative treatment
The majority of toe fractures can be treated without surgery, using the following techniques:
- Rest
- Buddy taping the broken toe to a healthy one for support
- Applying ice
- Elevating the affected foot above your head
- Non-steroidal painkillers and anti-inflammatories
Special supportive footwear may also be employed, such as an open-toe shoe or wider-than-usual shoe, which will reduce stress on the broken toe.
Try these exercises to help address your condition:
Below is a PDF of the Exercise Program
Surgical Treatment
Surgical intervention is rare but may be necessary in the case of severe deformity or multiple toe fractures. The surgeon may use pins, plates, or screws to keep the affected toe in place and prescribe a cast to assist in your recovery.
Recovery
Recovery from toe fractures is usually very quick, lasting around three weeks, or up to six weeks if surgical intervention was required. You might have to wear a stiff-toe shoe or walking boot for a certain period, depending on your doctor’s recommendation.
Care must be taken with athletic activity. You can return to play when you have recovered the full range of motion and strength in the affected area without any pain.
Dr. Jay Kimmel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, and shoulder and knee disorders. He completed his orthopedic training at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center and a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Temple University.
Dr. Kimmel previously served as the Director of the Connecticut Sports Medicine Institute at Saint Francis Hospital and has held faculty appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Departments of Orthopedics and Family Medicine at the University of Connecticut. He has extensive experience caring for athletes as a team physician for high school and collegiate programs and continues to teach in the athletic training departments at Westfield State University and Springfield College.
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/MonthFrequently Asked Questions
Can a toe fracture heal on its own without treatment?
Mild toe fractures often heal with simple care like buddy taping and rest. However, complications like toe misalignment or chronic pain can develop without proper treatment.
Is swelling in the toe always a sign of fracture?
Not always. Swelling in the toe can result from sprains, infections, or other soft tissue injuries. However, persistent or severe swelling should be evaluated for a possible foot fracture.
How long should I avoid physical activity after a toe fracture?
Avoid impact activity for at least 4–8 weeks, depending on the severity. Always follow your doctor's guidance for a safe return to normal activity.
Can I walk on a fractured toe?
You may be able to walk with a broken toe, but it is best to minimize pressure. Special footwear or crutches may sometimes be recommended to prevent further damage or delayed healing.