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Can doctors do anything for a broken big toe?
Usually, you can treat a broken toe by taping it to a neighboring toe. But if the fracture is severe — particularly if it involves your big toe — you may need a cast or even surgery to ensure proper healing.
How long does it take for a broken big toe to fully heal?
Most broken toes will heal on their own with proper care at home. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for complete healing. Most pain and swelling will go away within a few days to a week. If something was dropped on the toe, the area under the toenail can bruise.
Do you need a walking boot for a broken toe?
When a toe is dislocated, the ligaments that hold the toe bone in place at the joint are torn. In order to allow those ligaments to heal you will need to wear a walking boot for several weeks.
What happens when you break your big toe?
If you’ve broken your toe, the skin near the injury may looked bruised or temporarily change color. You’ll also have difficulty putting any weight on your toe. Walking, or even just standing, can be painful. A bad break can also dislocate the toe, which can cause it to rest at an unnatural angle.
Should I go to hospital for a broken big toe?
A broken toe can be painful, but you do not usually need to go to hospital. There are things you can do to treat it at home.
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.
What is the fastest way to heal a broken big toe?
Can you still move your big toe if it’s broken?
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 painful is a broken big toe?
Usually a break will hurt right where the bone has fractured. With a sprain, the pain may be felt in a more general area around the toe. The only way to tell for sure if the injury is a break or a sprain is to see your doctor. They can examine your toe and determine the type of injury.
Why is a broken big toe bad?
Bone infection: this is called osteomyelitis and can be very persistent. There is a risk of this if the skin over the fractured toe is damaged. A long course of antibiotics or further surgery may be needed. Toe stiffness is a common consequence of a broken toe, particularly if the joint was involved.
What happens if a broken toe doesn’t heal properly?
Broken toes that don’t heal properly increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis or permanent nerve damage down the line. The right treatment with a foot and toe expert helps ensure your broken toe heals the right way so you can resume your normal activities without worrying about complications.