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Toe fractures can certainly hurt, but they are rarely incapacitating. Toe fractures most frequently result from trauma. The majority of toe fractures heal without surgery.
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Your toes are part of your forefoot. Your big toe (hallux) contains two bones (phalanges). The rest of your toes contain three bones. Your toes help you balance and move.
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Toe fractures are most frequently caused by traumatic injury. A direct impact, such as dropping an object on the toe, walking into a solid object, or significantly stubbing the toe can break a bone. Ballet dancers and some athletes are at risk for toe fractures.
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Toe fractures can be very painful. You may have a sudden intense pain when the bone breaks; followed by pain that may go away. You may be able to walk, but walking will probably increase the pain. Your toe may look swollen, bruised, or deformed.
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Your podiatrist can diagnose a fractured toe by reviewing your medical history and injury circumstances, and examining you. An X-ray will be taken to see the fracture.
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Most toe fractures heal without surgery. There are many ways to help your toe “rest” so it can heal. You may wear a toe splint or your podiatrist may “buddy tape” two of your toes together to provide support and stability. You may need to wear a rigid walking shoe to protect the toe.
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Surgery may be used to realign bones that have broken and moved out of place. Surgery may be necessary if a fracture involves a joint. Surgical hardware, such as pins, may be used to hold the bones in place while they heal.
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Recovery is individualized and depends on the extent of your injury and the type of treatment you receive. It can take several weeks for a toe fracture to heal. Your podiatrist will let you know what to expect.
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It is important to see a podiatrist if you suspect that you have a toe fracture. Treatment is necessary to prevent complications such as deformity, chronic pain, loss of use, and bones that fail to heal.
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You may have an increased risk of a toe injury if you do not wear shoes. People that participate in certain sports or ballet may have an increased risk of toe fracture.
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