Toe and Forefoot Fractures
Toe and Forefoot Fractures Can Be Excruciating
Toe and forefoot fractures are quite common and can be excruciating. These fractures typically result from a direct blow to your foot or overuse and repetitive stress injury. Symptoms may include bruising or discoloration and pain when walking or bearing weight on your foot. These fractures are generally classified as displaced (the end of the bones have partially or entirely separated) or non-displaced (the bone is cracked, but the ends are still together). They may also be described as open or closed, depending on whether your skin is broken. X-rays and MRI scans are commonly used to diagnose toe and forefoot fractures in our Houston clinic.
The Prognosis on Treating Toe and Forefoot Fractures
Toe and forefoot fractures rarely require surgery for treatment. In most cases, this type of fracture will heal with mere rest and a change to your daily activities. The location of your injury and its severity will determine the appropriate course of treatment. For several days, you may find it too difficult to bear weight on your injured toes. A physician will recommend rest and elevation. As the pain begins to subside, you may be able to resume walking with wider-than-normal shoes or by “buddy taping” your broken toe to an adjacent toe. However, if your toe appears to be deformed, you may require a reduction procedure. Recovery for a fractured toe may take 4-8 weeks or longer.