It is estimated that it takes approximately six to eight weeks for the toe to fully heal. This can seem like an eternity, especially if you are an athlete or have a busy schedule. Fortunately, there are a few tips to reduce the healing time for a broken toe.
A broken toe is painful!
Fractured a toe is a relatively common injury, and not so Andean. Most broken toes heal without complications in 4 to 8 weeks. However, sometimes toes can be fractured more seriously and require surgery. In this case, the healing will obviously take longer.
Broken toes are in the vast majority of cases caused by a fall or a sharp blow. Toes can also be fractured due to disease, such as osteoporosis, due to a birth defect or malformation of the bones. But let’s be frank most of the time: it’s by stubbing your little toe against the corner of a piece of furniture accidentally encountered on your way. A great classic.
THE symptoms of a broken toe may include pain, swelling, turning blue, difficulty walking or putting weight on the affected foot. If you suspect that you have a broken toe, you should consult a doctor or orthopedist. A physical exam and x-rays may be needed to diagnose a fracture.
Treatment for a broken toe depends on the severity of the injury:
- Minor broken toes can be treated with a bandage or splint.
- More severely fractured toes may require surgery. Surgery may involve fixing the fractured bones with pins, screws or plates.
Causes and symptoms of a broken toe
Toes are the smallest and most fragile bones in the human body. They are easily injured due to their location at the ends of the feet, and their function, i.e. supporting the weight of the body when walking and/or running.
Broken toes can be very painful and can lead to temporary inability to walk or wear certain types of shoes. Fortunately, most broken toes heal well over time and do not require medical treatment.
Causes of a broken toe
Broken toes are usually caused by an injury, such as a fall, kick, or compression. Toes can also break due to illness, such as gout or osteoporosis. Broken toes can be classified based on several criteria, including the severity of the injury, the location of the fracture, and the type of bone affected. Toe fractures can be painful but are generally not serious. : most of Broken toes heal well over time and do not require medical treatment.
Symptoms of a broken toe
The symptoms of a broken toe are usually obvious. Pain is the most common symptom of a broken toe, which can be acute or chronic depending on the area affected. If nothing is done to treat the fracture, you should be aware that it can worsen over time.
When a toe is broken, there is also a feeling of swelling and of stiffness as well as a coloring that can vary between blue or black. If you have a broken toe, you will not feel the pain immediately after the injury if you injured it “hot”, for example while playing sports. The pain will then only be felt once the body has rested, a few hours later.
How to heal a broken toe?
No two cases of toe fracture are the same: the severity of the injury depends on which bone is affected and how it is fractured. Generally, it is considered that a toe fracture can be successfully treated at home, but some fractures require surgery.
If you have a broken toe, follow these steps to promote a quick, uncomplicated healing process:
- Highlight your toe
- Apply ice to your fractured toe to reduce inflammation
- Take a painkiller to relieve pain
- Wear a comfortable shoe that does not squeeze your injured toe
- Follow your doctor’s instructions about whether to use a bandage or splint
- Do exercises to maintain your mobility and avoid joint stiffness
- Monitor your fractured toe for signs of infection
By following these steps, you should see improvement in your injury within a few days. Conversely, if you see no signs of healing, or if you have difficulty coping with the pain, consult a doctor.