How do you treat a broken toe?

How do you treat a broken toe?  This question is very common and usually simple to answer, however not always.

Usually, when someone has a broken toe, the first thing that needs to be done is to make sure it is, in fact, broken.  This can be done with an X-ray.

Simply assuming it is NOT broken, when in fact it is, can result in delayed healing, deformity as well as long term swelling and pain.

Therefore, the most important way to treat a broken toe, is to find out IF it is broken in the first place.  A simple x-ray can help determine if the toe is broken.

Next, if the toe is in a good position and the fracture is not displaced, the toe should be immobilized with buddy tape and a stiff soled shoe should be worn.

If the toe is misaligned however or if the fracture is displaced, it may need to be corrected and pinned surgically.  While this is infrequent, it does occur.

Call our office if you think you may have broken your toe.  It is much easier to treat earlier rather than later.

Dr. Matthew F. Wachtler, DPM, FACFAS

973-857-1184

www.cedargrovefoot.com