If you’ve dropped something heavy on your toe, and you begin to notice swelling and bruising, you may have what is referred to as a broken toe. Severe pain typically accompanies this injury, and walking may prove to be a difficult task to accomplish. If you stubbed your toe with extreme force, the toe will appear to be misaligned if the break is severe. Experiencing a broken toe can be easily managed as long as the skin is not broken or the toe is not out of alignment. This often includes resting and elevating your foot to attain relief. There may be symptoms that appear to accompany more serious fractures including numbness, the toe turning blue, and coldness when touched. It’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist for additional information and proper treatment options for a broken toe.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Edwin S. Hart from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.