Broken Toe

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• If your toes are taped together, leave them that way until your doctor says you can remove the tape, or until your follow-up examination. You can change the tape after bathing. Always use a small piece of cotton between the toes when taping them together.
• To reduce swelling, keep your foot lifted above the level of your heart as much as possible. Lie down and prop your foot up on some pillows.
• Apply ice to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes each hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic bag and place a thin towel between the bag of ice and your cast.
• Your doctor may have you wear a cast shoe if your foot is very swollen. If not, wear sturdy, supportive shoes.
• You may use over-the-counter medicines to relieve the pain. Always take medications exactly as directed.
• If you are given a tetanus shot, your arm may get swollen, red, and warm to the touch at the site of the shot. This is a normal reaction to the medicine.

Call Your Doctor If...

• The pain or swelling gets worse.
• The injured toe is cold when the others are warm.
• The toe becomes very swollen or red.
• The toe turns white or blue.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• The toe feels numb or tingly.