Did I break my toe?

People break their toes all the time. Most often, it is caused by "stubbing" them against walls or furniture. Fractures can also happen by dropping something on your toes.

Just today, I had a patient say, "I think that I broke my toe. I stubbed it on the furniture and it still really hurts. It is also swollen, shorter and no longer bent." I recognized her toe was shorter than the same toe on the other foot.  Radiographs (X-Rays) showed that the toe was broken near the joint. We applied a buddy splint and a post-op shoe which allowed her to walk and stand without pain.  We taught her to P.R.I.C.E. (Protect, Rest, Intermittent ice, Compression and Elevation) the area. If she follows these simple guidelines, she should do very well without any complication.

Stubbed toes may hurt and turn red or blue for a while, but if the pain is gone after an hour, it's probably not broken. If your toe is broken, you may notice rapid swelling, growing pain, bruising or even a deformed or bent toe. This is the time to go see your Podiatrist for an exam. An X-Ray is the best way to determine the severity of the injury and what needs to be done to get better. A broken toe can hurt while resting and with every step, making the simplest tasks difficult. Some times, broken toes need to be set or even repaired with surgery.

If you experience these symptoms, do not wait to "let it get better." It won't. Based on your injury, your Podiatrist will give you specific instructions on how to get better and back to normal as quickly as possible. 

Diabetics or those with neuropathy may not notice pain from a fracture or other injury.