Dealing with a Toe Injury

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At Texas Foot Specialists, we sometimes hear patients say, “I didn’t think there was any point coming in because there’s nothing to be done for an injured toe.” While it’s true that sometimes a toe injury can be treated at home, it’s always best to come into our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600) and Houston (713-664-6677) office so that your injury can be properly diagnosed and evaluated.

Sprain vs. Break

In many instances, it’s difficult for a patient to know if a toe is broken or sprained. That’s because they have similar symptoms which may include one or more of the following:

  • Pain

  • Swelling

  • Bruising

  • Tenderness

  • Throbbing

  • Difficulty bending or moving the toe

How the injury occurred may give you a clue. When ligaments, bands of tissue that surround a joint, get overstretched or torn, the result is a sprain. Dropping a heavy object on your toe will most likely result in a break but not do any damage to the ligaments. Other injuries, however, such as stubbing your toe, falling or jamming your toe on the sports field, can all result in either a sprain or fracture or both.

Our podiatrists Dr. Bruce Miller or Dr. Gregory Mangum will examine your toe and also order an x-ray to determine if a fracture has occurred. In cases of a mild sprain, employing the RICE regimen: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, should allow the toe to heal properly. The foot doctor may recommend a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication as well to help with the pain. In the cases of more severe fractures or sprains where the ligament is completely torn, a walking boot or crutches may be prescribed to keep weight off the toe while it heals.

Although your toes may be small, without them your foot would not be able to push off to walk, jump, run and perform most of your daily tasks. Don’t take a chance—if you’ve injured your toe, contact us as soon as possible to have it examined.