Treatment For A Broken Toe

Wondering how to treat and manage a broken toe? The good news is, a lot of this can be done from the comfort of your home!
As always, remember to seek care from a medical qualified professional if you are concerned about an injury. With regards to toe injuries, it is prudent to seek medical attention especially if you have: injuries of the great toe, open injuries (where the skin has been torn/lacerated as a result of the trauma), displaced/shifted injuries with visible deformities of the toe, or injuries causing pain at the base of the toe/in the foot/metatarsals.
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DxTx is an interactive channel and I will always be receptive to feedback so feel free to connect with me on twitter, via email or comment below!
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About Me:
I am an Emergency Medicine PA, enthusiast and medical educator who takes great pride informing and educating others about medical issues.
DxTx aims to inform the public about common medical concerns from the perspective of an Emergency Medicine clinician.
Editing and effects by Kailesh Gulrajani. Follow him on twitter @k_gulrajani - / k_gulrajani
Music in this video is provided by KZbin Audio Library.
Disclaimer:
DxTx is a channel strictly created for educational and informational purposes only. We take great care in being as correct as possible with regards to the topics discussed but we do not make any guarantees with regards to its accuracy. We will always strive to correct any inaccurate information as soon as it has been brought to our attention. DxTx should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions and should not be used by viewers as a substitute for medical advice. Viewers should always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider for medical concerns and/or any questions pertaining to their health. As a result, DxTx does not assume liability and/or responsibility for any of the advice, diagnoses, treatments, and or therapies that are discussed on this channel. The use of the channel for communications with the author does not establish a patient-provider relationship.
We believe that any of the content used on this channel falls under the remits of fair use, but if any content owners would like to dispute this, we will not hesitate to immediately remove said content. It is not our intent to infringe on content ownership. If you find any of your own art/content on this video, please let us know and we will gladly give you credit and/or remove it as per your request. You can contact us at [e-mail].

[@graysonschweitzer]

POV: you just stubbed your toe a bit too hard and now you’re here

[@amandacoronado5778]

Yep 😂😂

[@brown14suga]

Yes actually 🤣🤣🤣

[@cinnerfication]

No it’s broke

[@PauIieWalnuts]

​@@cinnerficationsame diff

[@yanzi1957]

Broooo I fucking stubbed it 😂😂

[@jadendavies214]

Who else just broke their toe? 😂

[@shinigami.i]

haha, i’m having a great time rn 🙃

[@bg6107]

Has it healed alr mate, just broke my middle toe, doesn’t hurt but I’m assuming it’s gonna hurt tomorrow and I wanna nip it in the bud so I don’t have it hurt like my other I broke a few years back

[@lognttickle]

@@bg6107 bro i just broke my middle toe and i wanna die

[@bg6107]

@@lognttickle it felt like death for a few minutes but couldn’t feel it after did this and it’s fine now 👍🏻

[@BrownieeeHD]

I broke my big toe, it absolutely sucks

[@shinigami.i]

@@BrownieeeHD dude, luckily my big toe didn’t break, but there was so much blood in the nail bed, it’s still growing out the blood :,)

[@fobmob3166]

I’m in the middle of sea and hit my toe going in the boat, your video took my concerns away thank you !

[@DxTx]

Glad I could help!

[@stevewoolhiser7249]

Thank you. Busted my big toe last night and my roommate who has some medical training says there's a joke amongst nurses. "Know what you do about a broken toe? Nothing". It's like a broken rib except much more pleasant.

[@davidvoiers3463]

Dude thank you!!! I've been searching on KZbin for a while and finally a straight up answer!!!

[@younesamraoui3766]

Your descriptions and explanations are so clear and concise. Thank you!

[@DxTx]

Thank you Younes! I really appreciate your feedback and support!

[@heatherallingham7120]

I am SO grateful for this video - it has taken a load off my mind! Cheers ~

[@vyh5357]

GREAT video. Thanks so much for your help.

[@dimitriusjulius497]

Thank you so much ! First really helpful video in a whole youtube

[@nadaakkad606]

Thank you for the helpful info!

[@movingforward1422]

This is good to know! Thank you. Relieves my worries

[@lostcarwalkin]

So grateful to hear that it does heal on it’s own. Stubbed my toe yesterday and we’re scared to go to the hospital because of the covid situation in my country.

[@DxTx]

Wishing you a speedy recovery! As always, if you are concerned, please make sure to go for an in-person assessment!

[@Giuseppe1299]

​@@DxTxlast year I kicked the bins on both feet had my trainers on let things get to me too mulch Had a bad day they were black metal bins can it still heal it self

[@theemeraldcity94]

Thank you for this valuable information.

[@m.abu-naiyan9047]

Thanks for the Information.

[@evanchopin8841]

Yes! It was very helpful! Thank you!🙂

[@JW-nr3kp]

Thank you very much for the information

[@ricksanchezrosallini3482]

Awesome! Ty for the advice!!!

[@jamesromano3288]

Thanks....awesome clip

[@Mrs.TeeRagland9646]

Thank u, thank u, thank u!!!! U are so awesome for this video, my husband injured his toe badly lastnight..now I know how to help..thank u❤

[@tyreseclarke1467]

Your info was very appreciative

[@DxTx]

Thanks Tyrese!

[@ladyoonom1]

Thank you your video and of information on it.

[@WFO.]

Thank you Doc

[@brendarodrigues3046]

Great advice! Came here for a little reassurance of proper management. I’m quite sure I broke my pinky toe but I’m on top of the discomfort like white on rice. Thanks for showcasing this video and giving such a detailed explanation revolving conservative treatment. Blessings BIG BIG L❤️VE - InspirationByB

[@DxTx]

Thanks for the support and I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

[@DxTx]

@Pelu Pelkar Hello! Sorry to hear about your broken toe. In general, ~4-6 weeks for broken bones to heal.

[@darkknight-rp2ry]

Thx for your valuable information...🇮🇳♥

[@Superplays3251]

Thanks for the info, this sure gave me a good Idea as to what has happened to my toes. I now know what i should be concerned about and what i shouldnt be concerned about.

[@DxTx]

Thanks so much for the support! So glad to hear that you found the info valuable! All the best.

[@SuperThunder911]

Thanks Doc 👍💪

[@G7Vr]

Thank you so much for this,I was debating rather or not to take my son to the doctor

[@_Erinn_667]

Thanks for the information i thought i need a surgery or something but its just needed the buddy tape

[@DxTx]

My pleasure! As always, I recommend an in person assessment if you are concerned as this channel is for educational purposes only! Wishing you a speedy recovery

[@puyazd9206]

Thank you 🙏

[@nicolemarie011]

My husband really banged his toe up this morning after running into our bathroom sink in the dark. He worked all day on his foot/toe in a hot factory - I have no idea how he did it. I didn't know about this until a little bit ago when he came home from work and was limping. Thank you for the advice and tips!

[@DxTx]

Wishing him a speedy recovery!

[@jaden643]

Thank you so much

[@Asp130]

Exactly what I was looking for😇

[@gigigigi1906]

Thanks Doctor

[@aishmom197]

Thanks Doctor . This is the best video I have seen on the toe injury . . I have two fractures in my big toe as I slipped in rain . Can I still continue walking or should I avoid putting any weight on the leg ? Asking as was planning to get a moon boot .

[@Steinninn]

Thank you for confirming what I thought. (If I go to the ER they will just send me home. Its been two weeks and Im feeling a lot better)

[@DxTx]

You are so welcome

[@manifestrelaxation4042]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH......

[@karenpeaden271]

Thank you

[@BuddaSlim]

Thank u bro appreciate 🙏 💯

[@DxTx]

Thanks for the support!

[@BuddaSlim]

@@DxTx most definitely 👍

[@milesgreenberg2885]

Give Thanks

[@ella9846]

Thank u so much 😁

[@necasperaterrent2097]

Best video I’ve seen on this. Saved me a trip to the doctors office. All my stubbed toes have healed on their own and I get them often sports related . Despite the swelling and bruising I’m still training with it just carefully . Doing things that don’t aggravate it followed by ice and Advil’s

[@DxTx]

Thanks for the support and glad you enjoyed the video! If you are ever concerned / worried, I always recommend getting an in person assessment as there are always nuances (i.e. big toe injuries etc).

[@Samferko]

OMG THANK YOU

[@stephanie99959]

Thanks so much for this video. Just banged my pinky toe and Im sure it’s broken. I have icing, pain meds and lots of rest.

[@samanthijayasuriya9318]

Thank you. I feel much relieved nw, coz I banged my toe and was upset for the pain and swelling .

[@ddc93760]

Ty for your video. I broke one toe in costa rica 😢and it’s def broken. I splinted it and kept moving on with life til it heals

[@sherizazzetti1824]

Mines broke on the left foot the pinky, got to orthopedic tomorrow to put back in place glad I came across this viedo. Mine the opposite from the otherr and can't get it tapped.good one more day of waiting to get in seeing a doctor

[@abbied3395]

I hurt my toe nearly 9 months ago and it still hurts like hell

[@Nocturnal_Neil]

Dropped a piece of cabinet wood edge first directly onto the joint of my big toe, that was first point of contact for the piece of wood so i got full force on the joint from around 5 ft height. It's sore, got tingling/throbbing sensation shooting down my foot and up my leg to my hamstring. Cannot curl my toe fully so finding it difficult to walk on although I can walk, just have a little bop. Fun times.

[@Nocturnal_Neil]

Don't know if I need to get this checked out or not. Don't want to waste doctors/nurses time at AnE.

[@DxTx]

@@Nocturnal_Neil Hi there, thanks for your support. I refrain from providing individualized medical advice on this channel as it is for educational purposes only and I cannot comment on cases when I have not personally seen/assessed you! Big toe injuries can be a bit more complex, especially if near the joint. I would recommend going in for an in-person assessment! Best of luck.

[@gontseh7511]

Thank you very much! This video was very informative! It's actually making me doubt my doctor's treatment. I fractured the base of my proximal phalanx of my 5th toe 4 days ago and he just prescribed a form fit ankle strap and painkillers. However I'm still in a lot of pain (I can't even wear a sock due to the pain) and now my entire leg is now swollen with pins and needles. Kindly advise Thank you Doc

[@NewyorksMagic]

I do mma. We were light sparring tonight and while throwing a teep the guy lifted his knee so my toe mashed into his knee. Went to patients first and got an xray it's broke. So glad this is a minor injury that resolves itself, I'm supposed to be doing my physical at Meps for the navy soon.. really can't afford to get hurt right now.

[@conorjbrown]

Hey I did the same thing, how long did it take your toe to heal? 100% ok now?

[@jerico6933]

Thanks I'm a taekwondo player ans I broke my toe during training and it's frustrating cause I can't train wepl cause it hurts, I'll go take some rest thanks again doc

[@danielleayoub487]

Definitely dealing with this now, as I stubbed my toe really hard yesterday, and now it’s really sore and purple. How long would you recommend I wait before I continue physical activity like running? It’s so annoying since I’ve been on such a running grind lately 😩

[@DxTx]

Thanks for your support! I refrain from providing medical advice on this channel as every case is different/I always recommend speaking to your qualified healthcare provider with concerns about individual care. Generally speaking, we recommend 4-6 weeks before fractures are healed. A general rule of thumb should be "if it hurts, don't do it".

[@joeyespinoza4326]

I dropped a kitchen cabinet on my toe it’s a little swollen n not much bruising but it does hurt to put pressure on it should I get seen?

[@BamaChad-W4CHD]

You know....I had three different doctors tell me to absolutely never "buddy tape" a toe. Never under and circumstances. I really feel that you are correct. I don't know if it's just a gut feeling or what. The other doctors didn't seem particularly bad or less experienced. I just broke my middle toe but I'm not going to do anything about it as of now. I hopefully will just limp it out lol. I may end up having to tape it or something tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to a ten hour shift constantly on my feet and moving at a fast pace. It us what it is though. Thanks for the solid medical info doctor!

[@alexivan7499]

I just broke my middle toe too :(

[@fredmore6214]

How is your third toe now, Mr. Big? Any swelling left under the skin after breaking it? How did it get broken?

[@rossheathorn121]

Broke my big toe bad yesterday its gone black around area below the nail. Guess nothing I can do it's straight can't move it but this has informed me

[@sarahkaddoura398]

If I can move it ? Is it a good sign that it’s not broken ? Even if it got swollen n bruised ?

[@momo-xy9yz]

My be bed slate fell on my big toe after that it was swollen and looked like turf toe, what shoul I do specially it's been over two weeks

[@danielmunsanje969]

Dr I have a born dislocated on my toe for some year's now and I really want to get it fixed is it possible? please

[@thatrunningirl]

I smacked my toe 4 weeks ago on holiday, really hard into swimming pool steps. It was swollen and I couldn't get a shoe on for a week. Then 3 weeks after, the pain was much less. It has now been 4 weeks. I can walk and cycle, but do you think I can run on it now? I can still feel the site of injury, but it's like a 2 / 10. Please reply, my doctor doesn't want to know!! And will not x-ray me because they 'don't x-ray toes' after waiting 3 hours in a&e!! Thank you xx

[@jessiesworld3836]

I'm pretty certain I've broken my toes because I ran it over with a table tennis table and .g nails have ripped off and I've got large bruises, what should I cover it with?

[@shaziaabid76]

After healing do I need physiotherapy ? I got fracture my little finger

[@chlowiththeflo]

what should I do? - I stubbed my toe 2 days ago, and im still in pain

[@aspect3057]

Im a kid and i heard a pop on my index toe, and what do i do? Do i have to go to the hospital since my index toe goes vertically up?

[@wendydee3007]

Sensible video. Yesterday I managed to injure my middle toe while wearing sandals. When I looked at it, it was sticking up and the end was bent across at an angle. My mother freaked out when she saw it. But I had to drive us home (somehow, with some bad words!) and after driving it looks straighter. Today I have bruising; if I put weight on it, I feel a 'popping' and it hurts. I'm not going to the doctor because I don't want to drive again. If it's still bad in a week, I'll ask a friend to drive me.

[@DxTx]

Thanks for the support Wendy! I avoid providing individualized medical advice but I always recommend seeking an assessment sooner rather than later if you are concerned about your own health. Especially with fractures that are displaced, it may be more difficult to “set” the longer you wait! Speedy recovery

[@freddyfox5002]

Hope the doctors find better options in the future. I ended up with a semi limp toe joint on the big toe which effects my walking

[@DxTx]

Thanks for the comment Freddy and so sorry to hear about your big toe injury. Big toes are the more complicated toe fractures that often require closer management. Even still, unfortunately even when those injuries occur, the risk of surgical repair etc will outweigh the benefit...nonetheless, I always recommend being assessed in person to ensure that there are no other concerns/need for follow-up - especially when it comes to foot/big toe injuries!

[@freddyfox5002]

@@DxTx Thanks for the answer. I didn't do any sort of rehab with it, which would have either helped or uncovered the issue earlier.

[@brianna4272]

I’m glad I’m watching this because I fractured my toe last night

[@DxTx]

Wishing you a speedy recovery! Remember that these videos are for educational purposes only and to seek an in person assessment if you are concerned!

[@maryjoyce4453]

I broke my toe and went to a&e they wrapped my toe up. 2 days after my toe took to bleed again is this normal

[@vjjv7uvgu]

I stubbed my foot 4 days ago and it bled alot the next 2 days it was fine now its red swollen and hurts so much is that normal?

[@veganmermaidyogi3299]

Thanks any advice for me? Broke is Saturday, 4 days ago, urgent care physician assistant read the X-ray wrong and told me it was NOT broken. Went to podiatrist yesterday & they confirmed it is indeed fractured. I also teach yoga! 😭

[@Kawasakor]

Doctor is my foot straight when the swollen just made it look downwards?

[@idk-kz2jg]

Ohh my god. I was playing football with my friends and one of them accidentally kicked me on the big toe. Im sure its broken cuz its bigger and i see a bruise. I havent told my mother yet but tommorow morning i will so we can get an xray. At the moments is night so im gonna sleep hoping that im gonna be okay. Btw is the first time ive broken a bone ooh is scary as hell. And if you can tell me, what will they do to me?? Will they just give me meds or what??? Do you think its gonna get worse overnight?

[@christerry8531]

broke my big toe pretty sure 3 yrs ago and never got treatment but now it's continued to hurt and it's worse now.

[@maxxeez.]

I stubbed my toe on a wall andbi can't move it and can't walk or move it, what do u think?

[@gigigigi1906]

Doctor i have a hair fracture on my pinky toe i wonder how long it takes to heal? I went to workers comp and they just told me to tape it with the next toe and will be heal on his own but wonder how many weeks ?! I am close to 60 years old and I already have 3 weeks and still on pain but of course less pain i bought on cvs a hard sole shoe to continue with my daily life activities but now i feel pain on my right foot and i feel nails and a lot of pain on my other toe?! What I should do?! I went to doctor she took xray and she told me is nothing there but yesterday in the morning as soon i put my right foot on the floor it was painful Thanks doctor for your videos God bless you

[@connectingthedots100]

Ah thanks!

[@rosapariury9711]

Can i still ride my standard bike with the shoe he gave me its pretty solid..

[@marquepoolejewer9427]

My toe hurts just as much today as it did when I hit it with my mom's wheelchair two years ago. I never knew to try the buddy taping. I'll try it. I'm really tired of this pain. I didn't find any helpful advice when I looked at the time. Thanks

[@blackpinkfamily5571]

Thank youu

[@sobiyahanif3295]

I got my pinky toe stubbed last week and xray report showed that it is fractured.. my dr has immobilized it by buddy tapping. My question is that can i walk on my heel? Can walking slow down the healing process?

[@donjulio4025]

I broke my big toe about five years ago, It does hurt walking uphill and I tape it to get through my workday

[@daddyfwine6122]

Ty

[@geanieltarin814]

Stubbed my pinky 2 months ago then my grabdson tramped it by mistake. Im 57 years old. Bandaged my toes so as not to hurt it again. It is still swollen and little pink on the toe with no pain but so afraid to hurt it more. Should I now see a doctor?

[@hailyh147]

Hey! Last year I fracture my pinky toe and I had trouble with it because over the year I kept banging it and either fracturing, dislocating or breaking it. I went to my the hospital where they injected numbing into my toe and buddy taped it to another toe. Recently I banged into a wall and another toe is in pain when I walk on it and my mum is nurse and she believes it's just a strain muscle but the pain hurts extremely especially if I apply pressure or walk on it. I have an appointment in the afternoon with a doctor and to get x-rays but do you have any recommendations??

[@jonathanSpg]

Put ice and bandages

[@cindyeisenberg8367]

I went to the clinic. The buddy taping, ace bandage and post op shoe was very painful. The boot that I was given was much more comfortable. Buddy taping, even lose still hurt. I don’t think that I will have to wear the boots more then 2 to 3 weeks. By then, it should be heeled enough to wear a shoe. Because the swelling will go down. Unless it’s an open fracture or deformed, I would go to the clinic the for an X-ray. It’s too expensive to go to the hospital, even with insurance. The clinic can make you comfortable, at least. It depends on how much discomfort you are having. Then, you can get a referral to an orthopedic doctor, if needed.

[@Den515]

I injured my pinky toe don't rlly know what I did to it, but it got stepped on and its crooked.

[@hellypatel3612]

Can I run after toe breaking?

[@steveth1000]

My wife broke her toe last night and dislocated it as well. We went to the emergency rom at a hospital, they did x rays and its fractured at the base where it joins the foot. Buddy taped it and off we went. We live in Australia, they prefer to x ray in case it requires surgery especially if its the big toe.

[@coryshea856]

Did her toe heal? I have a big toe fracture and it’s just not getting better, getting worse. Never any bruising and it’s been months.

[@Gethype187]

I accidentally lifted a water heater 2 feet in the air and slammed my toes. It was purple and it hurt, but all toes can curl and spread and they are straight. May take 4 days and get back to it, but still considering an X-ray just to be sure.

[@AllAboutHadiya]

Is it normal to have swelling after 3 months ?

[@hyunjinztoe3259]

Hey. So um I hit my toe on the corner of the walls and it cracked, and it turned bluish purplish and blackish. It is crooked. It's really big and hurts when I walk or just move it in any way. What should I do? Especially bc I'm a dancer

[@DxTx]

Sounds like you need to be assessed at an urgent care by a qualified healthcare provider if your toe is "crooked". This is one of the few times that we would try to put the toe in a more "appropriate position"/make sure it is "straight".

Thx

[@DxTx]

Thanks for watching!

[@smitahalder5913]

There is a slight fracture of the hallux. I use buddy strapping for 20 days, but after removing this buddy strapping it swells. Is it dangerous? I am worried about it. Please reply me🙏🙏

[@An_Aspirant2001]

Hello sir, I fractured my one ankle and got a plaster on it but I also hit my other foot as well but luckily I didn't get a fracture in another one and it's been 12 days now but the thing is in which I got a plaster not even pain through this entire time but the second one is swelling alot cause I walk through this foot so what should id do??? Do I need to buddy taping it??? Cause I depend on that my all body weight so after 8 th day it swells alot😔😔😔

[@An_Aspirant2001]

My toe is straight and seems a little bump on it because I walked a lot on that. I also got a x-ray of it but luckily there's nothing serious but it swelling a lot these days

[@btsrosaline3559]

I actually just left my toe against the box spring of my bed and I can't bend my baby toe or separate it my mother is a nurse and said it didn't look broken ill get it checked out of it still hurts later this week

[@rexcream8438]

today I slammed my toe in the wall, and it hurt really bad, it didn’t get red and swollen until 5 hours, the toe looks the same as the other but it’s red and fat, what should I do

[@hamidohimo1]

Good man

[@cristinaxxleone]

hi! last year I hurt my second toe to the door but only my first bone has been hurting since. my bone is now double the size of my regular toe and then I did X-rays they said that there's no broken bone but there must be something do I need surgery?

[@DxTx]

Hi Cristina, thank you for your message and for watching. I refrain from providing medical advice on this channel and recommend that you speak with a qualified HCP re: your concerns as I have not seen/assessed you. Best of luck

[@ranikr613]

I broke my toe how many days i should take rest

[@andicantu6490]

I broke my toe 3 1/2 months ago. It still hurts. When will the pain stop? I’m taking poppy plant tincture under the tongue for the pain.