Your big toe is made up of two bones, and each of your little toes is made up of three. Like any other bones in the body, the bones in the toes can break or fracture due to injury. If you have broken your toe, you will likely notice pain and swelling in the toe. You may also have a discolored toenail due to blood trapped beneath the surface of the nail. In a severe, open fracture of the toe, you may see your broken toe bone poking through your skin. A podiatrist can diagnose a broken toe through a physical examination. X-rays may sometimes be used to confirm a diagnosis or determine the extent of the injury. In terms of treatment, your doctor may tape the broken toe to the toe directly next to it to protect, support, and realign the broken toe. You will likely need to rest the affected foot and wear comfortable, supportive shoes. If there is blood trapped underneath your toenail, the doctor may make a small hole in the nail to drain the blood and ease pain. If you have broken your toe, please seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Arnold Tarpley, Jr. from Tarpley Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Tarpley will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Uniontown, and Connellsville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.