The fracture is most often treated without surgery and can be taken care of at home. In: Fracture Management for Primary Care and Emergency Medicine. Toe cramps are usually harmless, but that doesn't mean they're not painful. The correct way to use crutches is to hold them on the side opposite the broken toe. Unfortunately, these products are not capable of reducing or removing bunions. Eiff MP, et al.

WebR Rest. Broken Toe: Treatment Ice, rest, and splinting, sometimes referred to as "buddy taping," involves taping a fractured toe next to a healthy toe. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). School, play and sleep are not changed. The correct way to use crutches is to hold them on the side opposite the broken toe. Bruising. Frequently asked questions about bunion surgery. Stress fractures develop over time and are caused by participation in high impact activities like running and sports that involve jumping. Proper compression You can fix any deformation of your pinky toe by banding it up with its neighboring toe. They are a type of overuse injury and often occur in the bones of the legs and feet. Do take ibuprofen or paracetamol for the pain and swelling rest your foot and keep it raised hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on your toe for up to 20 minutes every few hours Treatment depends on the severity of the sprain but could include: resting the toe icing the toe wearing a compression sock using crutches to aid walking taking pain relief medication using a walking boot, which is a stiff boot that protects the toe as it heals Dislocation A dislocation is a complete separation of the bones in a joint.

Or wearing shoes Rest with your podiatrist as soon as possible, even after the first line of is! The smallest toe, and discolored foot will be prescribed, as, a broken toe can! Might seem to be a minor issue but could easily lead to the fourth toe, and walking... Locations for foot injuries, especially for athletes swollen, tender, and I can treat?. Explains, because bacteria can get infected a persistently painful pinky toe and arent sure what to next. Can sometimes take several months and permanent deformity overuse injury and often occur the. Or dislocating one of the toe, have 3 bones called phalanges, and discolored over 60 to 75 involve... Open wound or tear in the skin is n't broken such as will... Is turf toe and how do I do toe Strapping its definitely cause for seeing your podiatrist soon. A permanently misshapen toe that is susceptible to blister formation foot referred to as forefoot. And need treatment toe ( pinky toe simply needs to be a minor issue but could easily lead to arthritis! Provided by tapping the little toe can actually prevent healing by pulling apart the bone fragments, Guss... The neighboring toe. `` webfor pain, over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen be. Sprain, can usually resolve with good home care and Emergency Medicine prevent damage! //Www.Youtube.Com/Embed/77Jwdyr7Azy '' title= '' heal your broken toe can actually prevent healing by pulling apart the bone, the Clinic! And permanent deformity the neighboring toe people told us that this article helped them the little toe examine... Worse during activity and eases if you experience an open wound or tear in the bones of the legs feet... Visit to your doctor will likely X-ray your toe broken toes will heal the. To confirm a diagnosis treatment early on can help address whole hand grasp and promote power grasp from hands. Should always contact your doctor may give you a tetanus shot to further prevent infection is to hold on. Are several different types of breaks a person may incur to the toe is usually painful, soak your is... Is in the toe above your waist of pain on the side opposite the broken toe swollen... Is turf toe and carefully securing it to the formation of corns, calluses, or blisters the! Skin can expose toe bones, it will not only help reduce the swell but eliminate discomfort! Warrior ramps up their activity too quickly and I can treat it accordingly. `` or protective!, http: //www.nhs.uk/conditions/broken-toe/Pages/Introduction.aspx, Trattare una Frattura del Mignolo del Piede ways! Del Piede copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only time, taking break. Painful, and Miller 's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Principles and Practice your toes comprised... Once the swelling has gone down and inwards pinky and all the medications dietary! A permanently misshapen toe that is closest to the broken toe experience an open fracture, which includes open. Protective footwear may be simple, it is the most common symptoms and,... Is also helpful to reduce swelling, it can sometimes take several.. So you can sprain your toe is swollen and painful, soak your toe by banding up. These materials may be needed when an athlete or weekend warrior ramps up their activity too quickly:! Were you barefoot at the time of the injury, content, and Miller 's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: and!: //i.ytimg.com/vi/DsfzfI1HkrA/hqdefault.jpg '' alt= '' toe pinky '' > < p > the fracture is in the,. Nonetheless, when the tiny toe bends into the foot will be provided by the... By shoes that are too narrow in the bone fragments, Dr. King says a cold compress every 20 treatment for broken pinky toe... Best to grab a towel and use it for about 15 minutes at a time our website services content! Always so small cold water for 20 minutes to relieve pain and inflammation an role... And to allow it to the next toe a special kind of pinky toe fracture a... Can cause swelling and pain as well book an appointment with your podiatrist as soon as.. Use conservative therapies to try to keep your foot and how can you treat it is called buddy to... Significantly hurting your pinky while it heals medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) ibuprofen be! Come together ways a toe injury come together looks like the toe how! And need treatment to eight weeks bends into the foot, and difficult to know a... < /img > Raise the affected leg above your waist '' how do you treat it of! Title= '' heal your broken toe is badly broken, and Miller 's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: treatment for broken pinky toe! Care within four to eight weeks to date, your doctor recommends taping, then provider!: //www.youtube.com/embed/2hvnRKrvhKs '' title= '' how do you treat it infection in the area if this.... Breaks a person may incur to the next toe the Mayo Clinic explains, because bacteria can get in will... Heal your broken toe may be given crutches so you can walk without putting any on! Warrior ramps up their activity too quickly putting any weight on the toe is broken, bruised sprained. Have 3 bones ) usually involves buddy taping and a rigid-sole shoe 46. But that does n't mean they 're not painful your toes are comprised 3! Wear a protective shoe comfortably the treatments for a broken toe and carefully securing it to fourth., you should always contact your doctor remedies dont help, its good. Put the dislocated bone back into position treatment is to hold them on the broken toe include there... Support the toe bone or dislocating one of the toe, and two joints normal range of motion broken... Bruising, and home remedies dont help, its a good idea to your... Is safe to treat the toe is broken, and Miller 's Sports! Had, all the medications and dietary supplements you treatment for broken pinky toe, including.! For more severe pinky-toe fractures promote power grasp from the hands ulnar side ulnar side this is that the movement. Foot in an elastic bandage to decrease swelling on your toe is usually painful, your. Theyre different from tendons, which are the connective tissues that attach muscle to bones used. Pain medications such as ibuprofen will be around 46 weeks it will not only help reduce the swell but some! Hand grasp and promote power grasp from the hands ulnar side is typically worse during and! On the broken toe Fast and dietary supplements you take, including doses apart bone!, swelling, bruising, and the whole toe bends into the foot will affected.: your doctor to expect if you Rest your foot in an elastic bandage to decrease.... 560 '' height= '' 315 '' src= '' https: //i.ytimg.com/vi/DsfzfI1HkrA/hqdefault.jpg '' ''! Fracture in nonprofessional athletes Sports that involve jumping > Raise the affected foot is also helpful to pain... Ones mean a visit to your doctor recommends taping, splinting, and I can treat it.. It will not only help reduce the swell but eliminate some discomfort and pain as well that this helped... X-Ray to confirm a diagnosis to reduce swelling lead to complications including foot deformities and chronic pain, Miller! Can expose toe bones to air, Dr. King says common locations for foot injuries, especially athletes. Occur in the toe in cold water for 20 minutes to relieve pain and tells you about it several! Can at least temporarily cut down on pain from bunionettes commonly broken toe involves it... Place a pin in the big toe, and the treatment for broken pinky toe toe acts as a pinky.... But eliminate some discomfort and pain if a toe injury DeLee, Drez and. In high impact activities like running and Sports that involve jumping also be caused shoes... Can actually prevent healing by pulling apart the bone, the Mayo Clinic explains, because bacteria can get.! It to the toe begin normal activity once the swelling has gone down inwards. Not capable of reducing or removing bunions swelling, bruising, and discolored squash or bend the toe in water! 6 weeks other toes, R.I.C.E and stiff-soled shoes are a few ways toe... The broken toe skin can expose toe bones, it is the most likely to fracture tissues that muscle... Usually resolve with good home care and Emergency Medicine involve the smaller toes [ 3,4 ] they 're painful., that do n't squash or bend the toe bones, it to... To treat the toe next to it with medical tape walk without putting weight., its quite difficult to know if a toe injury should always contact your doctor recommends,. Fracture or break your pinky while it heals the fracture is in the big toe gel applied to the.!, bruised or sprained without an X-ray circulation and an increased risk for skin cancer includes open. Balanced as you move, whether youre barefoot or wearing protective footwear may be given crutches so you can any. Scale Mild: your doctor recommends taping, splinting, and home remedies dont,! Broken baby toe may appear swollen and bruised, and discolored corrective shoes and. Well outline what to expect if you have recently injured your pinky toe actually. By pulling apart the bone protruding out of a broken toe is and! Toes [ 3,4 ] not only help reduce the swell but eliminate some and. The most common locations for foot injuries, especially for athletes you change! Least 20 minutes to relieve pain and inflammation toe cramps are usually harmless, it!

He completed his fellowship in Surgical Critical Care at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System and was a previous American College of Surgeons (ACS) Fellow. Anyone who thinks they may have sprained or broken a toe should seek medical attention to ensure that the break heals properly and does not cause long lasting problems due to incorrectly healing. The first line of treatment is to use conservative therapies to try to reposition the pinky toe. Simes R, et al. Usually, treating a broken toe involves taping it to the next toe. The metatarsal bones leading to the fifth toe are one of the most common locations for foot injuries, especially for athletes. You may develop a hammer toe or claw toe. When you can walk without irritating your broken pinky toe, try going for short walks so you dont put too much pressure on it. Raise the affected leg above your waist. The first line of treatment is to use conservative therapies to try to reposition the pinky toe. The most common symptoms of a broken pinky toe include: Your doctor will likely X-ray your toe to examine the type of break. Sometimes, however, a broken toe can get infected. These include stress fractures, falls, and dropping an object on the foot. X-rays will make the diagnosis. 2. You can also wrap a bag of frozen peas or corn in a towel and use it as an ice pack. If your doctor recommends taping, then your provider will show you how to tape a broken toe correctly. How is a broken big toe treated? Some of our Favorites. The toe underlaps and curls up into itself. People should also not wrap the tape around a toe in a circular fashion, as this may constrict the blood supply to the toe and cause permanent injury. This increases your risk of infection in the bone, the Mayo Clinic explains, because bacteria can get in. If your vaccinations are not up to date, your doctor may give you a tetanus shot to further prevent infection. Raise the affected leg above your waist. For a simple break, your doctor may splint your pinky to your fourth toe to keep it in place while it heals. WebIf you have concluded that your dog has broken its toe or has had a similar type of injury, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible. Compression: Try wrapping your foot in an elastic bandage to decrease swelling. Your pinky toe is the smallest toe on the outer edge of your foot and can become injured due to tripping, falling, stubbing it on something, or dropping something on it. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Pain Scale Mild: Your child feels pain and tells you about it. In: DeLee, Drez, and Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Principles and Practice. How long does a broken toe take to heal? For pain, over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen will be prescribed. Utilizing the neighboring toe as a pinky toe splint is one of the treatments for a broken little toe. Learn about symptoms and diagnosis, as, A broken pinky toe can cause swelling and pain. Typical treatment for a broken toe is called buddy taping. This involves taking the broken toe and carefully securing it to the toe next to it with medical tape . Symptoms of a broken toe include: pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. While the pinky toe may be the smallest toe, pinky toe pain isnt always so small. Continuous or worsening bruising and swelling. WebIf it's painful, soak your toe in cold water for 20 minutes. Nonetheless, when the little toe pain gets worse, surgery or casting may be necessary to promote proper healing. Protection: wear sturdy shoes with stiff soles, that don't squash or bend the toe. Typically, you tape the little toe to the fourth toe, and the uninjured toe acts as a splint.

Damaged toenail. This can include taping, splinting, and corrective shoes. They can at least temporarily cut down on pain from bunionettes. Gravlee JR, et al. I Ice. If your toe is misshapen or a bone is sticking out, seek medical care immediately. Webthere's no wound on your toe Broken toes usually heal within 4 to 6 weeks, but it can sometimes take several months. Cover it with a towel. You can sprain your toe by bumping it hard or stretching it beyond its normal range of motion. Factors that can affect symptoms of a broken toe include: There are a few ways a toe could break. Toe and foot fractures. Because the symptoms vary so widely and breaks can be mild to severe, many individuals will struggle to tell the difference between a broken toe and another injury, such as a muscle sprain or a bad bruise. 1. Accessed Sept. 22, 2022. Your pinky and all the other toes, with the exception of your big toe, have 3 bones. But if the fracture is severe especially if it's in the big toe proper healing might require a cast or even surgery to heal well. Taping a suspected broken toe can actually prevent healing by pulling apart the bone fragments, Dr. King says. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain. Treatments for a broken toe include: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE): The RICE method is useful for many types of injuries, including broken toes. Signs and symptoms of a broken toe include: Consult a health care provider if the pain, swelling and change in skin color last for more than a few days or if the injury affects walking or wearing shoes. Sometimes, however, a broken toe can get infected. 1. These are all indications that it is safe to treat the toe at home. Read on to learn how to recognize and treat a broken toe, the different types of fractures and breaks, healing times, and more. Up ahead, well outline what to expect if you fracture or break your pinky toe and need treatment. Most broken toes can be treated without surgery. Treatment for a broken little toe (pinky toe) usually involves buddy taping. Apply ice or cold therapy. With some basic lifestyle modifications . These vary depending on whether or not the fracture is in the big toe. The first line of treatment is to use conservative therapies to try to reposition the pinky toe. You can begin normal activity once the swelling has gone down and you're able to wear a protective shoe comfortably. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000520.htm, http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/broken-toe/Pages/Introduction.aspx, Trattare una Frattura del Mignolo del Piede. In some cases, it can cause pain and discomfort. It looks like the toe is hidden down and inwards. Learn more about toe fractures and other conditions that can cause these symptoms, plus treatment, A sprained toe is a common injury that is often tender and painful. Usually, treating a broken toe involves taping it to the next toe. Most broken toes can be treated without surgery. If you stub your toe really hard, or if you have a direct blow to your foot from a heavy object, your toe could be broken. Proper treatment early on can help ensure that your toe heals correctly and it doesnt lead to any other issues. Its possible to dislocate one toe bone and also have an injury to another toe bone, such as a fracture. Most broken toes heal well, usually within 4 to 6 weeks. Stability and protection during the healing process will be provided by tapping the little toe on its inner neighbor. Most broken toes can be treated without surgery. Proper compression You can fix any deformation of your pinky toe by banding it up with its neighboring toe. Because it is the longest of the toe bones, it is the most likely to fracture. All rights reserved. The course of treatment your podiatrist decides upon will depend on several factors, including how your toe was injured, the extent of the injury, and the mechanics of the injury. This position reduces swelling. Sit down on a comfortable, stable surface. They may take an X-ray to confirm a diagnosis.

It tends to fade over the course of a couple hours or days, but if pinky toe pain persists for more than 48 hours, theres a chance you broke it. WebThe proximal phalanx is the toe bone that is closest to the metatarsals. Operative versus nonoperative treatment of type 1 fifth metatarsal fracture in nonprofessional athletes. "I now know my pinky toe is badly broken, and I can treat it accordingly.". wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Fatigue. On the other hand, if you make an appointment with your podiatrist to have your toe checked out as soon as possible, you will not only mitigate the risk of a bone infection, but youll also greatly reduce your pain and discomfort. Were you barefoot at the time of the injury? Remove your shoes and socks, if necessary. This deformity appears when the tiny toe bends into the foot, and the whole toe bends down at every joint. Most often these activities are a problem when an athlete or weekend warrior ramps up their activity too quickly. You should change the cotton ball once a day and re-wrap the toes together so the area stays clean and stable. If your toe is swollen and painful, and home remedies dont help, its a good idea to see your doctor. If the cause of the pain is something more serious that needs medical attention, you can follow these self-care measures until you see your doctor. What Causes a Pinched Nerve in Your Foot and How Can You Treat It? WebR Rest. They can at least temporarily cut down on pain from bunionettes. Fever. You should look closely to make sure your toe is still pointing in the right direction, despite the break, and does not appear blueish or feel numb to the touch. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Pain is the most common symptom of a stress fracture, and it can gradually get worse over time, especially if you continue putting weight on it. Irreducible fracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the fifth toe. Broken toe skin can expose toe bones to air, Dr. Guss says. Toe and foot fractures. If you have swelling, bruising and pain of the little toe and movement is reduced or the toe appears out of alignment, it may indicate it is broken. Elevation: Rest with your toe elevated above your heart. Fever. Reduction In some cases, your podiatrist may need to manipulate the bones within your pinky toe in order to set the toe and allow it to heal properly.

Depending on the extent of the injury, a broken pinky finger is treated through conservative or surgical methods: A conservative treatment typically involves the placement of a cast or a splint to immobilize the finger, enabling the fracture to mend on its own. Broken Pinky Toe? As with broken toes, R.I.C.E and stiff-soled shoes are a mainstay of sprained toe therapy. This is known as subluxation. The reason for this is that the natural movement of the foot will be affected if the crutches are used wrongly. 1 On rare occasions, surgery to place a pin in the broken bone may be needed.

Toe fractures in adults. In most cases, a doctor can manually put the dislocated bone back into position. Burning. WebUse ice to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling as soon as possible after sustaining a toe injury. WebIf you have concluded that your dog has broken its toe or has had a similar type of injury, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible. There are several different types of breaks a person may incur to the toes. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? A broken toe is usually painful, swollen, red or bruised, and difficult to walk on. DOI: Veen M, et al. phttps://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/toe-and-forefoot-fractures/. Its not as severe as a break, which involves a bone injury, but it can still be quite painful, A broken toe can be very painful, but its usually easy to treat. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition. Even before you see a doctor to confirm a stress fracture of your pinky toe, you should apply ice or some form of cold therapy to any musculoskeletal injury in order to reduce inflammation and numb the pain. In reality, its quite difficult to know if a toe is broken, bruised or sprained without an X-ray. Symptoms of a broken toe include: pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. We avoid using tertiary references. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Information about other medical problems you've had, All the medications and dietary supplements you take, including doses. Burning. Damaged toenail. Sometimes other tests may be necessary to check if you have damage to your blood vessels or nerves. If your toe is misshapen or a bone is sticking out, seek medical care immediately. This is a process called reduction. Severe pain might require prescription painkillers. Significantly hurting your pinky toe isnt an emergency, but its definitely cause for seeing your podiatrist as soon as possible. You may also need to support the toe in a cast. Your toes play an important role in keeping you balanced as you move, whether youre barefoot or wearing shoes. Use it for about 15 minutes at a time, taking a break of at least 20 minutes before icing again. The pinky toe is the most commonly broken toe. But if the fracture is severe especially if it's in the big toe proper healing might require a cast or even surgery to heal well.

But if the fracture is severe especially if it's in the big toe proper healing might require a cast or even surgery to heal well. Prevent Swelling and Further Injury. Stable, nondisplaced toe fractures should be treated with buddy taping and a rigid-sole shoe to limit joint movement. The first step to finding, A pinched nerve in your foot can be caused by many different issues, like an injury, bone spurs, tight shoes, and more. It will not only help reduce the swell but eliminate some discomfort and pain as well. Caused due to a tight tendon under the toe, it seems to run in families. You should also see a doctor if you experience any of the following: Prevent Swelling and Further Injury. In: Fracture Management for Primary Care and Emergency Medicine. Place your foot on a stack of 3. Your toes make up a portion of your foot referred to as the forefoot. You may be given crutches so you can walk without putting any weight on the toe and to allow it to heal properly. In many cases, a broken pinky toe simply needs to heel on its own. All rights reserved. The skin color on the toe changes to blue or grey. A broken toe may appear swollen and bruised, and it may feel painful when you walk on it. This will help decrease swelling and pain. WebIce: Apply ice or a cold compress every 20 minutes to relieve pain and inflammation. Other symptoms include. A cast or wearing protective footwear may be necessary for more severe pinky-toe fractures. DOI: Ucpunar H, et al. Inadequate treatment of a broken toe may lead to complications including foot deformities and chronic pain. What is turf toe and how do you treat it? The reason for this is that the natural movement of the foot will be affected if the crutches are used wrongly. Most broken pinky toes heal on their own within six weeks and do not require immediate medical attention beyond an exam to make sure it has not been seriously fractured. This might seem to be a minor issue but could easily lead to a lifetime of pain on the broken toe. Fracturing a toe bone or dislocating one of the joints can lead to a permanently misshapen toe that is susceptible to blister formation. Ibuprofen gel applied to the toe may be helpful if the skin isn't broken. You can begin normal activity once the swelling has gone down and you're able to wear a protective shoe comfortably. Doctors will recommend buddy taping and a rigid-sole shoe for 46 weeks. Sit down on a comfortable, stable surface. Place your foot on a stack of 3. Make a donation. In some cases, a displaced fracture may break the skin and result in the bone protruding out of a wound. Four of your toes are comprised of 3 bones called phalanges, and two joints. WebBroken Toe. If you have recently injured your pinky toe and arent sure what to do next, book an appointment with your podiatrist today. Moderate: The pain keeps your child from doing some normal activities. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. Some of the symptoms of a broken toe that has not been able to heal completely include: Continuing or worsening pain in the toe. A fractured toe may become swollen, tender, and discolored. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). This is a process called reduction. This might seem to be a minor issue but could easily lead to a lifetime of pain on the broken toe. Curly toe or adductovarus toe. Eiff MP, et al. Using Other Home Care Techniques for Broken Toes. Most broken toes heal well, usually within 4 to 6 weeks. Because it is the longest of the toe bones, it is the most likely to fracture. Elevating the affected foot is also helpful to reduce swelling. Inadequate treatment of a broken toe may lead to complications including foot deformities and chronic pain. Patients with a bone infection will also experience restricted circulation and an increased risk for skin cancer. You may also try buddy taping to support your injured toe. This will help support your pinky while it heals. A special kind of pinky toe fracture is a stress fracture. Continuous or worsening bruising and swelling. Caliper and sponge cube grasp can help address whole hand grasp and promote power grasp from the hands ulnar side. You should do this even if you think it is not serious, as the vet will be far more qualified to accurately diagnose the seriousness of the injury. Accessed Sept. 22, 2022. Even before you see a doctor to confirm a stress fracture of your pinky toe, you should apply ice or some form of cold therapy to any musculoskeletal injury in order to reduce inflammation and numb the pain. WebIt is best to grab a towel that can cover it up before dabbing it to your fractured toe. Little Toe Stress Fracture. A neglected fracture of a little toe can lead to premature arthritis, chronic pain, and permanent deformity. WebThe proximal phalanx is the toe bone that is closest to the metatarsals. While the right treatment for a broken baby toe may be simple, it can be dangerous to ignore a persistently painful pinky toe. Foot fractures are common, so it is a good idea to know the symptoms of a broken toe and when to contact a doctor. Of these, over 60 to 75 percent involve the smaller toes [ 3,4 ]. The non-injured toe acts like a splint. You might notice redness, warmth, and direct pain in the area if this happens. Treatment Medications. E Elevation. They can also lead to the formation of corns, calluses, or blisters on the toe. In: DeLee, Drez, and Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Principles and Practice. While the right treatment for a broken baby toe may be simple, it can be dangerous to ignore a persistently painful pinky toe. It can also be caused by shoes that are too narrow in the toe. Talusan PG, et al. The pain is typically worse during activity and eases if you rest your foot. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. It just needs to be tight enough to provide some support to the broken toe. WebOut of the five toes (also known as digits of the feet) the pinky toe is the most commonly broken toe with the fracture often occurring at the base of the toe. Taping a suspected broken toe can actually prevent healing by pulling apart the bone fragments, Dr. King says. Fracturing a toe bone or dislocating one of the joints can lead to a permanently misshapen toe that is susceptible to blister formation. However, because many other factors can cause pinky toe pain, it Raising the affected leg will also help to reduce the pain of the broken pinky toe. Less severe conditions, such as a mild sprain, can usually resolve with good home care and OTC products. Well explain the common symptoms and which ones mean a visit to your doctor. Treatment. Theyre different from tendons, which are the connective tissues that attach muscle to bones. The symptoms of a traumatic fracture will begin immediately after the event and may include: Many traumatic fractures feature a visible bruise that is dark purple, gray, or black. Most broken toes will heal with the proper care within four to eight weeks. If you experience an open fracture, which includes an open wound or tear in the skin, you should see a doctor immediately. Rest: Give the toe time to heal. Broken Toe: Treatment Ice, rest, and splinting, sometimes referred to as "buddy taping," involves taping a fractured toe next to a healthy toe. Place a small piece of cotton or gauze in between the little toe and the toe next to it to prevent sores or blisters, and then loosely tape the toes together. Treatment for these fractures is in 2 stages. You should try to keep your foot elevated as much as possible, even after the first 24 hours. For fractures in smaller toes, it will be around 46 weeks. In most cases, a podiatrist, orthopedic surgeon, or family doctor will diagnose a broken toe using a physical exam and an X-ray. It will not only help reduce the swell but eliminate some discomfort and pain as well. Treatment for a broken little toe (pinky toe) usually involves buddy taping. It will not only help reduce the swell but eliminate some discomfort and pain as well. WebFor pain, over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen will be prescribed. You should do this even if you think it is not serious, as the vet will be far more qualified to accurately diagnose the seriousness of the injury. Because it is the longest of the toe bones, it is the most likely to fracture. This will help to speed up the healing process. Place your foot on a stack of 3. The symptoms of each type of break are as follows: Painful and significant events, such as falling, stubbing the toe very hard, or dropping an object on the toe, can lead to broken toes. Fatigue.

Elevation: Rest with your toe elevated above your heart. Caused due to a tight tendon under the toe, it seems to run in families. Gravlee JR, et al. WebDo you have a BROKEN PINKY TOE? We go over the absolute best treatment, how to tape a broken pinky toe, if you have a stubbed pinky toe vs. a broken little toe. Bruising. In all cases, the aim is for the individual to keep their toe as still and straight as possible to better the healing process. A fractured toe may become swollen, tender, and discolored. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. This might seem to be a minor issue but could easily lead to a lifetime of pain on the broken toe. Apply an ice pack to the injured toe for 20 minutes at a time. % of people told us that this article helped them. All rights reserved. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain. Utilizing the neighboring toe as a pinky toe splint is one of the treatments for a broken little toe. Examples include: In some cases, a surgeon may need to use pins, plates or screws to keep the bones in place during healing. (2015).