Walking with a broken big toe can be incredibly painful and may hinder your daily activities. Despite the discomfort, many people continue to walk with a broken toe, which can lead to complications like improper healing or worsening the injury. While it is tempting to tough it out, seeking professional medical care is important. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the break, determine whether the bone is aligned, and suggest appropriate treatment. Depending on the injury, this may include buddy taping the toe to an adjacent one, using a splint, or even recommending a specialized shoe to reduce pressure. This may also help to protect the toe and allow proper healing. Ignoring a broken big toe can lead to chronic pain, deformities, or arthritis in the joint. Your podiatrist can provide guidance on when it is safe to resume normal activities to avoid re-injury. If you have a broken big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

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. Kenneth Donovan from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. 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 Warren, Livingston, and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.