What do you do if you break your fourth toe?
Table of Contents
What do you do if you break your fourth toe?
Symptom Relief
- Rest. Stop doing any physical activity that causes pain, and keep your foot immobile whenever possible.
- For the first 24 hours, ice your toe for 20 minutes every hour you are awake, then 2 to 3 times a day.
- Keep your foot raised to help keep swelling down.
- Take pain medicine if necessary.
Can you walk on a broken fourth toe?
A broken bone, also called a fracture, may also cause swelling at the break. If you’ve broken your toe, the skin near the injury may looked bruised or temporarily change color. You’ll also have difficulty putting any weight on your toe. Walking, or even just standing, can be painful.
How long does a broken 4th toe take to heal?
Broken toes usually heal within 4 to 6 weeks, but it can sometimes take several months.
Should you stay off your feet with a broken toe?
Stay off your foot and avoid activity that causes pain for 3-4 weeks. Wear a shoe with a stiff sole to protect the injured toe and keep it stable. Avoid shoes that put pressure on the toe.
How do I know if I broke my 4th toe?
How to Tell if a Toe is Broken: Symptoms & Identification
- Severe bruising.
- Intense & throbbing pain.
- Swelling.
- Deformity.
- Difficulty walking.
- Toenail discoloration.
- Crooked & misshapen appearance of the toe.
How do you buddy tape a broken 4th toe?
To buddy tape a finger or toe:
- If you have broken skin, clean the affected area using alcohol or antiseptic wipes.
- Dry your skin thoroughly and place the padding between your fingers or toes.
- Starting at the base, wrap the tape around the digits.
- Wrap the tape around two to three times.
How do you tape a broken 4th toe?
Place a cotton ball between the toes to prevent blistering, and consider using a popsicle stick as a splint. Tape the toes together loosely to allow for optimal stability yet adequate circulation, preferably using gauze or medical tape. If unavailable, any other tape or bandaging will work.
What do doctors do for a broken toe?
Usually, you can treat a broken toe 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 proper healing.
Should I go to Dr for broken toe?
If you think you broke your toe, it’s best to have your doctor look at it. Even though you can often treat it yourself, a broken toe can sometimes lead to more serious problems, like infection, arthritis, or long-term foot pain.