A toe injury can be caused by dropping something on your foot or kicking something.It is difficult to determine how serious the injury is because you can hurt your toe 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: The size of your toe is important.
Is it swollen?This is an indication 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: Look at the toe.
Does your hurt toe look out of joint when compared to the one on your other foot?If that's the case, you need to see your doctor immediately.The shape of a toe can not be changed by a minor injury.
Step 4: It's a good idea to check for discolored skin.
Fractured toes are more likely to end up discolored and bruised.The color of your toe can be red, yellow, blue, or black.It may bleed.There are signs that the toe may be broken.You should see the doctor immediately if you can see that the toe bone has broken through the skin.
Step 5: Touch the toe.
If you can feel the bone moving inside or if it feels weird in the toe.It is possible that the toe is broken.
Step 6: Know when to 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.Some severe breaks may need further medical intervention.If you can't walk on the toe because of the pain, you should see your doctor.If the toe looks like it's pointing in the wrong direction, you should see your doctor right away.If the toe is cold or blue, call the emergency services.
Step 7: It's important to care for your toe.
Wrap a plastic bag with ice cubes and place it on the injured toe.You have to do this in 20-minute intervals until you get to the doctor.The ice will help the toe.Don't attempt to walk far on your foot, and keep it elevated.If you leave the ice in place for more than 20 minutes, it can damage your skin.Ibuprofen or aspirin can be taken 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.
Don't do the activity that caused the injury in the first place and avoid other activities that put pressure on your toe.For several weeks, avoid running or playing contact sports if you are light walking, swimming, or biking.Continue to rest the toe for the prescribed amount of time.Keep your foot elevated when you are at home to help with swelling.Don't use your toe too much after several weeks of healing.Rest your foot if you feel pain or stress.
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, you should ask your doctor or nurse to show you how to change the tape.The tape on the toes may be too tight if you lose feeling in them.Remove it right away.Ask your doctor if you need to apply the tape again.People with diabetes shouldn't tape their toes.Special flat-footed orthopedic shoes should be worn as prescribed by your doctor.
Step 11: According to your doctor, care for severe breaks.
If your break is severe enough to require a cast, brace, or special walking shoes, you'll have to rest it for at least 6 to 8 weeks.Breaks that require surgery may take longer to heal.You may need to have doctor's visits to make sure it heals properly.When caring for a severe injury, follow the doctor's orders.Ignoring doctor's orders can cause an injury to take much longer to heal.