If you’ve ever injured your toe before, then you know the agonizing pain, swelling and immobility that can come along with the injury. But all too often, individuals don’t realize their toe may in fact be broken. When broken toes go undiagnosed, mistaken for a sprain, further injury can occur. For this reason, it’s important to know the symptoms of a broken toe so you can get the appropriate care if you are ever injured. Learn the symptoms and treatments for broken toes here.
Broken Toe Symptoms
Although an injury to a toe or any part of the foot can cause you to have difficulty walking, it is not necessarily indicative of a broken bone. In some cases, sprains can hurt just as bad (if not worse) than a break. If you have sustained an injury to your toe, here are symptoms of a break to look for:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Difficulty Walking
- Bruising
- Deformed Appearance
Seeking Medical Attention for a Broken Toe
An X-Ray is the only way to determine whether or not your toe is broken, so if you suspect you may have broken a bone, schedule an appointment with a medical professional as soon as possible. If you have an open fracture, exposed bone, noticeable deformity or are experiencing coldness and numbness, seek care immediately.
Treatment for a Broken Toe
Broken toes can be difficult to treat because we use our toes and feet to walk daily. If your toe is broken, it is important to stay off of the affected foot as much as possible to promote healing. There are numerous things you can do to reduce the pain associated with a broken toe. Elevating your foot will help increase the blood flow and reduce swelling, but icing may help reduce swelling as well. In extreme cases where the bone is exposed or there are multiple breaks, surgery may be required.
Contact the Professionals at Coastal Orthopedics Today
At Coastal Orthopedics, we understand how important it is to have full function of your feet and toes. That’s why we provide a variety of treatments for orthopedics injuries. If you suspect your toe is broken, call us today to schedule an appointment.
