What Is A Toe & Forefoot Fracture?

Fractures of the toes and forefoot are quite common. Fractures can result from a direct blow to the foot—such as accidentally kicking something hard or dropping a heavy object on your toes. They can also result from the overuse and repetitive stress that comes with participating in high-impact sports like running and basketball.

Although fracturing a bone in your toe or forefoot can be quite painful—it rarely requires surgery. In most cases, a fracture will heal with rest and a change in activities.

What Are The Symptoms of Toe & Forefoot Fractures?

The most common symptoms of a fracture are pain and swelling. Other symptoms may include:

• Bruising or discoloration that extends to nearby parts of the foot
• Pain with walking and weight bearing

What Causes Toe & Forefoot Fractures?

Toe and forefoot fractures often result from trauma or direct injury to the bone. Fractures can also develop after repetitive activity, rather than a single injury. This is called a “stress fracture.

What Are The Treatment Options For Toe & Forefoot Fractures?

Treatment for a toe or forefoot fracture depends upon:

• The location of the injury
• The type of fracture

Fractures of the Toes

Even though toes are very small, injuries to the toes can often be quite painful.

A fracture of the toe may result from a direct injury, such as dropping a heavy object on the front of your foot, or from accidentally kicking or running into a hard object. A fracture may also result if you accidentally hit the side of your foot on a piece of furniture on the ground—and your toes are twisted or pulled sideways or in an awkward direction.

The proximal phalanx is the toe bone that is closest to the metatarsals. Because it is the longest of the toe bones, it is the most likely to fracture.

A fractured toe may become swollen, tender and discolored. If the bone is out of place, your toe will appear deformed.

Treatment

Most broken toes can be treated symptomatically. For several days it may be painful to bear weight on your injured toe. As your pain subsides, however, you can begin to bear weight as you are comfortable. During this time, it may be helpful to wear a wider than normal shoe.

“Buddy taping” your broken toe to an adjacent toe can also sometimes help relieve pain.

If the bone is out of place and your toe appears deformed, it may be necessary for your doctor to manipulate or “reduce” the fracture. This procedure is most often done in the doctor’s office. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb your foot, then your doctor will manipulate the fracture back into place and straighten your toe.