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Toe Fracture Discharge Instructions


About this topic


You have a few bones in each toe of your foot. A toe fracture happens when you break one of these bones. A toe fracture is most often caused by dropping something heavy on your foot. It can also happen when you stub your toe or play certain sports. ‚  
There are many ways to help your toes heal. Your doctor may tape your broken toe to the healthy toe next to it. This is called buddy-tape. You may need a splint or cast. If your toe is broken very badly, you may need surgery. ‚  


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What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over your injured toe. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 15 minutes at a time. Do this a few times a day.
  • Raise your foot above the level of your heart. Prop your foot up on a few pillows. This will help lower swelling.
  • Rest your injured toe. Do not do any activity that causes pain.
  • Wear wide shoes with a stiff bottom. Your doctor may have you get special shoes to wear.
  • If your toe was buddy-taped, your doctor will show you how to replace the gauze and tape.

What follow-up care is needed?


  • Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
  • You may need an x-ray to make sure that the bone is fully healed. If you have a cast, your doctor will remove it after your bone has healed.

What drugs may be needed?


You may take over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for pain, like acetaminophen (Tylenol ‚ ®) or ibuprofen (Motrin). ‚  
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain and swelling

Will physical activity be limited?


You may need to rest your foot for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. If you run, work out, or play sports, you may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Long-term stiffness, pain, or arthritis in the toe
  • Bone does not heal properly

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Wear well-fitting, supportive shoes when doing physical activities and sports.
  • Do weight bearing exercises to build strong muscles and bones.
  • Eat food with a lot of calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones healthy. Include foods like low-fat milk, cheeses, and yogurt.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Toe is cold or numb
  • Skin turns blue or gray
  • Redness, drainage, or warmth
  • Cast or splint is damaged or broken
  • Pain even after taking pain drugs

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my fracture.
  • I can tell you how I will care for my injured area.
  • I can tell you what I will do if my toe is cold or numb or my skin turns blue or gray.

Where can I learn more?


American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚  
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00165 ‚  
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons ‚  
http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/metatarsal-fractures.htm ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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