Orthopedics-Online

Broken little toe

introduction

A broken little toe is a broken bone, a fracture, in the little toe of the foot. It is one of the most common fractures in the human forefoot.

The little toe consists of a base phalanx, a middle phalanx and a distal phalanx; occasionally the middle phalanx and the distal phalanx are fused together. Theoretically, any of these bony structures can be affected by a fracture, most often the base member is broken.

How do I recognize a broken toe?

Abnormal misalignment of the toe
Restriction of movement of the toe
Pain, especially painful appearance
- Even after a few days, the footstep with the affected foot is still painful
swelling
bruise
Audible rubbing of bones together

Other symptoms of a broken little toe

swelling

A broken bone is associated with traumatic injury to the surrounding soft tissue. During the injury, the force applied to the little toe causes body fluids from the cells and interior spaces of the soft tissue to flow and spread between the tissue. The toe becomes thick, red, and tender on pressure.

You can find more information about swollen feet at: Swollen toe

Pain

A broken little toe is accompanied by severe pain. The pain increases when the broken toe is moved or put under pressure. A step with the affected foot is perceived by the sick as extremely painful.

If the pain persists and the occurrence remains painful, it indicates a broken bone.

For more information on this topic, see: Pain in the toe

Misalignment

Depending on the type of trauma that injures the toe, a broken toe can be associated with a noticeable deformity. A broken toe can be significantly deformed. Sometimes the toe even looks dislocated and is splayed out to one side.

A misalignment of the little toe is an indication of a broken bone and requires a medical examination.

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Athletes (joggers, soccer players, etc.) are particularly often affected by diseases of the foot. In some cases, the cause of the foot discomfort cannot be identified at first.
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Which toe breaks most often?

Of all the toes, the little toe is the most likely to break. Usually the metatarsophalangeal joint of the little toe is affected by the bone fracture. The fracture typically results from direct, external force on the little toe.

How can I tell the difference between a fracture and a sprain?

Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between a broken little toe and a sprained toe. The symptoms of a sprain are severe pain, a bruise on the toe, and restricted movement of the toe. Usually, the joints of the little toe can still be stressed in a sprain, but with severe pain.

If the little toe is broken, the joints can no longer be stressed. The toe is clearly restricted in its movement and often shows an obvious misalignment. Those affected suffer from pain that becomes much worse when the toe is touched and under stress. At the same time, there is a bruise and severe swelling of the toe.

As a result, a sprain and a fracture differ in their pain character, possible strain on the toe and the shape of the little toe. An X-ray of the little toe is usually necessary to rule out a broken bone.

If you're still not sure what you have, check out our next article on more symptoms of a sprain below: Sprain of a toe

How is the broken little toe treated?

If the fracture is a small one where the toe is not dislodged, conservative treatment is often used. Typically, the affected toe is taped to the adjacent toe. As a rule, the toe has to be taped for three weeks in children and around four to five weeks in adults.

If the toe remains misaligned despite conservative therapy, surgery is performed. In addition, unstable, complicated toe fractures are treated surgically. Plates, screws and wires are used to correct the misalignment.

Taping as one of the therapy options

Applying a roof tile bandage or taping is a conservative treatment option for a fracture of the little toe.

The doctor uses adhesive plaster bandage, which is laid out like a roof tile, and fixes the broken little toe to the neighboring toe.

Are you more interested in this topic? Then read our next article below: Kinesio tape

When do you need a forefoot relief shoe?

A forefoot relief shoe is a special shoe that relieves the forefoot when walking. The orthopedic shoe is not generally used for toe fractures.

It is suitable for patients with wound healing disorders or complicated forefoot changes that have to be operated on several times. A forefoot relief shoe may be indicated for non-healing tissue damage to relieve pressure and enable walking.

What can I do if the swelling doesn't go down?

In order to slow down the swelling of the little toe and counteract it, an elevated position of the foot with immobilization and a cooling of the tissue are sensible initial measures. Ice packs and cooling pads can be used to cool the toe and reduce swelling. A compression bandage will also help control swelling and inflammation.

If simple remedies aren't enough to reduce the swelling, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can help. Ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. One should ask the attending physician whether there are any restrictions regarding such a drug and what they recommend.

If the swelling does not go down despite the medication, the doctor should be consulted again in order to rule out possible complications, such as a compartment syndrome.

The following topic could also be of interest to you: Aspirin - Use, Effects & Side Effects

Healing time

A broken little toe usually heals very well. It usually takes about six weeks for the affected bony structures to heal completely.

After the fracture has healed, the little toe can be fully loaded again without causing pain. In the case of very complicated fractures and severe accompanying injuries, the healing time may be correspondingly longer.

How can you speed up healing?

There are a few things you can do to speed up the treatment of a broken little toe.

Important initial measures are elevation and immobilization of the affected foot and cooling, for example with cold compresses. These simple steps can help reduce swelling and possible inflammation.

If surgery is necessary, early cooling can make the procedure easier. In addition, it is essential that the affected toe is spared during the healing process. The little toe must not be loaded so that the structures can heal without complications.

Are you interested in this topic? Then read our next article below: Inflammation of the toe - You should do this

What are the underlying causes of a broken little toe?

Typically, the cause of a toe fracture is direct force on the toe.

Often the little toe breaks as part of a so-called "bed post injury". The person concerned remains hanging with his little toe on the bedpost, cupboard or table leg as he walks past.

Another possibility is dropping a heavy object on your toe. Then there are mostly fractures and several toes are affected by fractures.

How is a broken toe diagnosed?

First of all, the attending physician conducts a detailed discussion with the person concerned about the symptoms and how the accident happened. The doctor then examines the toe to get a first impression of the injury.

While an open fracture is easy to spot through visible bits of bone, the diagnosis of small fractures may be less obvious. As a rule, X-rays of the forefoot are made after the examination, which can be used to make a diagnosis of a broken little toe.

More information on diagnostic procedures can be found at: X-ray process and side effects

How long will you be on sick leave?

The length of time on sick leave for a fracture of the little toe depends on the extent of the injury, treatment method, and healing. A simple toe fracture usually heals very well and can be used again after about six weeks.

A complicated, displaced fracture can require more extensive therapy and lead to a longer healing time. On average, the sick are written off sick for four to six weeks.

Earlier work may be possible for office work, while certain physical occupations require the little toe to heal completely and may have to be on sick leave for longer.

When can you do sports again?

After a fracture of the little toe, the toe should be rested for four to six weeks until the fracture is completely healed.

Typically, as an adult, you can return to exercise after six weeks. Children can start exercising earlier, usually three to four weeks after the break.

To be sure that the fracture has really healed, especially in the case of children and adolescents, you should consult the doctor treating you before the person concerned does sport again.