Introduction:
Even though toes are small, injuries to them can be extremely painful. A toe fracture can be caused by a direct injury. For example, dropping a heavy object in front of their feet or kicking or running into a hard object. When a person accidentally hits the side of the foot on a piece of furniture on the ground, the toes may be twisted or pulled sideways or in an awkward direction, resulting in a fracture. The toe bone closest to the metatarsals is the proximal phalanx. It is the most likely to fracture as it is the longest toe bone. Swollen, tender, and discolored toes can result from a fracture. Typically, a fractured toe is treated by taping it to the next toe. However, if the fracture is severe, especially in the big toe, proper healing may necessitate a cast or even surgery. Most broken toes heal quickly, in four to six weeks.
What Is a Toe Fracture?
Fractured toes are common in athletes and those who lead active lifestyles. They are especially common in these people. These breaks are commonly known as "turf toe". Turf toe is caused by repetitive and excessive pushing off of the big toe when performing explosive movements such as running and jumping and can range from a sprain to a broken bone with ligament damage.
The toes are made up of three bones called phalanges and two joints. On the other hand, the big toe is composed of only two bones and one joint. The toe's three smaller bones, or phalanges. Only the proximal and distal phalanx bones are present in the big toe. A fractured toe, on the other hand, can become infected. Fractures can be divided into:
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Non-displaced - Non-displaced fractures mean the bone is cracked, but the ends are joined.
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Displaced - Displaced fractures mean the broken bone ends have partially or completely separated.
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Open Fractures - Open fractures are fractures where the skin is broken. The wound extends down to the bone in an open fracture. Open fractures are especially dangerous because bacteria can enter the wound and infect the bone once the skin is broken. To avoid infection, immediate treatment is required.
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Closed Fractures - Closed fractures are fractures where the skin is broken.
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Avulsion Fracture - A small fracture commonly caused by a tendon pulling off the bone.
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Stress Fracture - Stress fracture is caused by overuse or repetitive activity.
What Are the Causes of Toe Fractures?
The most common causes of broken or fractured toes include:
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Overuse.
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Stubbing or banging the toe against a hard surface.
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Squeezing the toes.
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Dropping something hard or heavy on the toe.
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Wearing inappropriate footwear.
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Injury or trauma.
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Rolling of the toe.
What Are the Symptoms of Toe Fractures?
The symptoms of a fractured toe are:
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Pain.
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Swelling.
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Change in the skin color due to bleeding and bruising under the skin.
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Pain while walking and weight bearing.
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Pooling of blood under the toenail.
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Severe bruising.
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Intense throbbing pain.
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Deformity.
How Is Toe Fracture Diagnosed?
Doctors typically look for tender spots on the toes during a physical exam. The provider will also examine the skin around the injury to ensure that it is not cut and that the toe continues to receive blood flow and nerve signals. During the examination, the doctor will look for the following:
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Swelling.
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Tenderness at the site of the fracture.
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Bruising or discoloration of the foot as the foot may be red or ecchymosis.
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Deformity.
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Abrasions on the skin or open wounds.
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Loss of sensation as it is an indication of nerve damage.
The diagnosis can also be evaluated by using the following:
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X-ray - X-rays show images of dense structures like bone. X-rays are typically performed in the doctor's office. A routine X-ray will reveal the majority of fractures. A stress fracture, on the other hand, may begin as a tiny crack in the bone and may not be visible on an initial X-ray. In many cases, a stress fracture is not visible until it has begun to heal and a type of healing bone called a callus appears around the fracture site.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Sometimes, a stress fracture cannot be seen on an X-ray; an MRI scan may be recommended. An MRI is more sensitive than an X-ray, and it can detect changes in the bone that may indicate a fracture. An MRI, unlike an X-ray, does not use radiation.
How Is Toe Fracture Treated?
Any fracture must be examined and treated as soon as possible for proper healing. Fractured toe can usually be managed with over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen sodium, or Acetaminophen. Severe pain may necessitate the use of prescription pain relievers. Other treatment methods to treat fractured toes are:
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Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) - The RICE method is useful for different types of injuries. It can reduce pain and aid in the healing of the toe. It is required to treat a minor toe fracture.
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Reduction - If the broken bone pieces do not fit snugly together, a care provider may need to reposition them. This is referred to as reduction. It is typically performed without cutting the skin. The toe is numbed by ice or by anesthesia.
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Buddy Taping - Taping the injured toe to the one next to it may be enough to treat a simple fracture in any of the smaller toes. The uninjured toe serves as a splint. Preventing skin soreness by placing gauze or felt between the toes before taping.
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Casting - A walking cast may be useful if the pieces of the broken toe do not fit snugly together.
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Wearing a Stiff-Bottomed Shoe - Healthcare providers might prescribe a post-surgical shoe with a stiff bottom and a soft top that closes with strips of fabric. This can prevent the toe from moving.
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Surgery - A surgeon may need to use screws, plates, pins, and plates to keep the bones in place during healing in some cases.
Conclusion:
Although the toe bones are small, they play an important role in walking and balance. Toe injuries can also impact a person's gait, causing harm to other joints, such as the hips or knees. Because of the importance of the toes in daily life, a broken toe can be inconvenient and extremely painful.
