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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffA broken toe is a common injury that most often occurs when you drop something on your foot or stub your toe.
In most cases, a broken toe can be immobilized 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 that your broken toe heals properly.
Most broken toes heal well, usually within four to six weeks. Less commonly, depending on the precise location and severity of the injury, a broken toe may become infected or be more vulnerable to osteoarthritis in the future.
References
- McGee DL. Traumatic conditions of the foot. In: Roberts JR, et al. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/202633129-4/0/2083/0.html#. Accessed Aug. 26, 2011.
- Banerjee R, et al. Injury to the lesser phalanges and interphalangeal joints. In: Browner BD, et al. Skeletal Trauma. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: WB Saunders Co.; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2220-6..10061-1--s2460&isbn=978-1-4160-2220-6&sid=1197213649&uniqId=276594717-7#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2220-6..10061-1--s2470. Accessed Aug. 26, 2011.
- Gravlee JR, et al. Toe fractures in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 26, 2011.
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