If you suspect that you have a broken toe, it is important to seek medical attention to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the injury. In the meantime, you can take self-care measures to manage the pain and swelling. These include:
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Rest: Stop doing any physical activity that causes pain, and keep your foot immobile whenever possible.
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Ice: Apply ice to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to help reduce swelling and pain. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a thin cloth to protect your skin.
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Elevation: Prop your foot up when possible so that your injury is higher than your heart. This can also help reduce swelling.
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Pain relief: You can usually manage pain from a broken toe with over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or acetaminophen. Severe pain might require prescription painkillers.
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Buddy taping: For a simple fracture in any of the smaller toes, taping the injured toe to one next to it might be all thats needed. The uninjured toe acts like a splint. Putting gauze or felt between the toes before taping can prevent skin soreness.
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Footwear: It may be painful to wear a regular shoe. In this case, your doctor can provide a stiff-bottomed shoe. This will protect your toe and make room for swelling. Once swelling has gone down, wear a solid, stable shoe to protect your toe.
Most broken toes will heal on their own with proper care at home. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for complete healing. However, if the fracture is severe, especially if its in the big toe, proper healing might require a cast or even surgery to heal well.
