How do you tell if you broke your foot or toe?
If you have a broken foot, you may experience some of the following signs and symptoms:
- Immediate, throbbing pain.
- Pain that increases with activity and decreases with rest.
- Swelling.
- Bruising.
- Tenderness.
- Deformity.
- Difficulty in walking or bearing weight.
Can you break your toe and foot?
Fractures of the toe and metatarsal bones are common and require evaluation by a specialist. A foot and ankle surgeon should be seen for proper diagnosis and treatment, even if initial treatment has been received in an emergency room.
What do they do for a broken toe or foot?
Usually, you can treat a broken toe by taping it to a neighboring toe. But if the fracture is severe — particularly if it involves your big toe — you may need a cast or even surgery to ensure proper healing.
Will broken toe heal itself?
Most broken toes will heal on their own with proper care at home. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for complete healing. Most pain and swelling will go away within a few days to a week.
What’s the difference between a broken toe and a broken foot?
A broken (fractured) toe is an injury normally caused by either dropping a heavy object on the toe or stubbing the toe hard. Generally it takes quite a lot of force to break a bone. However, toe bones are more vulnerable because they are small bones and because they are on the edge of the body,…
What should I do if I have a broken toe?
If you have a displaced fracture, the bone ends must be realigned and the bone kept immobile until healed. If you have a broken toe, the doctor will “buddy tape” the broken toe to an adjacent toe, with a gauze pad between the toes to absorb moisture. You should replace the gauze and tape as often as needed.
Why does it take so much force to break a toe?
Generally it takes quite a lot of force to break a bone. However, toe bones are more vulnerable because they are small bones and because they are on the edge of the body, so are more likely to be injured in the first place. A broken little toe, caused by stubbing it, may be particularly common due to its position.
Can a person break a toe or heel?
You can break a toe if you kick something, you can break your heel if you jump from a certain height and land on your feet, and you can also break other bones when you twist or sprain your foot.
When should you call a doctor about a broken toe?
- The pain becomes worse and isn’t relieved by normal painkillers.
- The swelling and bruising don’t start to improve in a few days.
- There is an open wound associated with the break.
- peripheral arterial disease.
- You are taking oral steroids.
How long does it take for a broken foot to heal?
The general rule of thumb for a broken foot bone to heal is six to eight weeks. No matter how much you want to negotiate the healing time to get back to running and other exercise, the time frame is dictated by your body.
What is the recovery time for a broken foot?
Recovery Time. If you’ve fractured your foot, depending on the severity of your fracture, you may be in for a long recovery time. The average foot fracture takes about eight to 12 weeks to heal.
How do you heal a broken toe?
Rest is very important to treat a broken toe. Take a complete bed rest to heal your broken toe. Avoid prolonged running, walking, standing and strenuous exercise. Wear a special boot or shoe while walking to avoid pressure on the broken toe.