A toe injury can be caused by dropping something on your foot or kicking something.It is difficult to determine how serious a toe injury is because you can hurt it without breaking it.There are a number of ways that you can find out if your toe is broken.
Step 1: Determine your pain level.
If your toe is fractured, it will hurt when you put your weight on it.You will probably be able to walk, but moving around might make the pain worse.The presence of pain does not necessarily mean that the toe is broken, but persistent pain can be an indication of a break.You might have a bad break if you put weight on your toe.You should see a doctor right away.Minor injuries are not as painful and may not need medical treatment.It is possible to indicate a broken bone withting in addition to pain.You should see a doctor right away.
Step 2: Take a look at the size of your toe.
Is it swollen?This is a sign that you might have a broken bone.If you stub your toe badly, it will throb for a while and then the pain will go away without swelling.A fractured toe is likely to swell.The healthy toe should be on your other foot.If the injured toe looks bigger than the healthy one, there is a chance of a fracture.
Step 3: The shape of your toe is important.
Does your hurt toe look out of place compared to the one on your other foot?If that is the case, you will need to see your doctor immediately.The shape of a toe can not be changed by a minor injury.
Step 4: Check for discolored skin.
Fractured toes are more likely to end up discolored and bruised.The color of your toe may be red, yellow, blue, or black.It may bleed.The toe may be broken.You should see the doctor if you can see that the toe bone has broken through the skin.
Step 5: Touch the big toe.
If you can feel the bone moving inside, or if there is a weird sensation in the toe.It is likely that the toe is broken.
Step 6: Know when you can see a doctor.
If the swelling persists for more than a couple of days, you should go to the doctor.An X-Ray is needed to verify the break.The doctor will sometimes tell you to stay off your toe.Further medical intervention may be required for some severe breaks.You should see your doctor if the pain is so bad that you can't walk.You should see your doctor if the toe looks like it's pointing in the wrong direction.If the toe is cold or blue, call the emergency services.
Step 7: Care for your toe.
Wrap a plastic bag with ice cubes and place it on the injured toe.You should do this in 20-minute intervals until you get to the doctor.The ice will help with swelling.Don't attempt to walk far on your foot, and keep it elevated as much as possible.If you leave the ice in place for more than 20 minutes, it will damage your skin.Ibuprofen or aspirin can be used to ease the pain.
Step 8: Follow your doctor's orders.
The doctor will give you instructions on how to care for your toe after taking an x-ray.The doctor can realign the bone.In severe cases, surgery may be needed to place pins or screws in the toe to keep the bones in place.
Step 9: Take a break from the broken toe.
Avoid activities that put pressure on your toe, and don't do the activity that caused the injury in the first place.For several weeks, avoid running or playing contact sports for light walking, swimming, or biking.You should rest the toe for the amount of time prescribed by your doctor.Keep your foot elevated when you're at home to help with swelling.Don't use your toe too much after several weeks of healing.Take a step back and rest your foot.
Step 10: If necessary, change your bandages.
If you break your toe, you don't need a cast and the doctor will show you how to fix it.It doesn't get reinjured if it wanders out of place.If you want to keep the area clean, ask your doctor or nurse to show you how to change the tape.If you lose feeling in the taped toes, the tape is probably too tight.Immediately remove it.Ask your doctor if you should apply the tape again.People with diabetes should not tape their toes.Special flat-footed orthopedic shoes should be worn by your doctor.
Step 11: Care for severe breaks according to your doctor.
If your break is severe enough to require a cast, brace, or special walking shoes, you'll have to rest it for 6 to 8 weeks.Breaks that require surgery may take longer to heal.You may need to have several doctor's visits to make sure it heals properly.When caring for a severe injury, be sure to follow the doctor's orders.Ignoring doctor's orders can cause an injury to take a long time to heal.