Patient Portal:
See upcoming appointments, pay your bill, view your health records, and more.

LOG IN

Personal Care, Better Results

Animas Surgical Hospital

Toe (Phalange) Fracture

Back to Patient Education

Introduction

Toe fractures can certainly hurt, but they are rarely incapacitating.  Toe fractures most frequently result from trauma.  The majority of toe fractures  heal without surgery.
Back to top

Anatomy

Your toes are part of your forefoot.  Your big toe (hallux) contains two bones (phalanges).  The rest of your toes contain three bones.  Your toes help you balance and move.
Back to top

Causes

Toe fractures are most frequently caused by traumatic injury.  A direct impact, such as dropping an object on the toe, walking into a solid object, or significantly stubbing the toe can break a bone.  Ballet dancers and some athletes are at risk for toe fractures.
Back to top

Symptoms

Toe fractures can be very painful.  You may have a sudden intense pain when the bone breaks; followed by pain that may go away.  You may be able to walk, but walking will probably increase the pain.  Your toe may look swollen, bruised, or deformed.
Back to top

Diagnosis

Your podiatrist can diagnose a fractured toe by reviewing your medical history and injury circumstances, and examining you.  An X-ray will be taken to see the fracture.

Back to top

Treatment

Most toe fractures heal without surgery.  There are many ways to help your toe “rest” so it can heal.  You may wear a toe splint or your podiatrist may “buddy tape” two of your toes together to provide support and stability.  You may need to wear a rigid walking shoe to protect the toe.   
Back to top

Surgery

Surgery may be used to realign bones that have broken and moved out of place.  Surgery may be necessary if a fracture involves a joint. Surgical hardware, such as pins, may be used to hold the bones in place while they heal.  
Back to top

Recovery

Recovery is individualized and depends on the extent of your injury and the type of treatment you receive.  It can take several weeks for a toe fracture to heal.  Your podiatrist will let you know what to expect. 
Back to top

Prevention

It is important to see a podiatrist if you suspect that you have a toe fracture.  Treatment is necessary to prevent complications such as deformity, chronic pain, loss of use, and bones that fail to heal.
Back to top

Am I at Risk

You may have an increased risk of a toe injury if you do not wear shoes.  People that participate in certain sports or ballet may have an increased risk of toe fracture.

Back to top

Copyright ©  - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

"Your professional performance, compassion and attention to detail are outstanding." ~Durango patient

Footer

Animas Surgical Hospital:

(970) 247-3537

Animas Urgent Care:

(970) 385-2388

Animas Surgical Hospital:

ER Open 24/7

Animas Urgent Care:

8:30 am - 7 pm

Animas Surgical Hospital:

575 Rivergate Lane

Animas Urgent Care:

450 S. Camino Del Rio

Proudly Physician Owned

Animas Surgical Hospital brings the people of Durango, CO and the Four Corners the most advanced surgical technologies and expertise. The physician-owned hospital offers technologically advanced surgeries, diagnostic imaging, 24/7 short-wait emergency care, urgent care, occupational medicine, and internal medicine.