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Fractured toe: first aid
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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What to do if you have a broken toe? Follow our tips to help you cope with this injury and understand what to do after a broken toe.
First aid for a broken finger
If you have a broken toe, the first thing you need to do is reduce the pain, and secondly, reduce the swelling of the broken toe, which will inevitably occur.
The leg should be elevated so that the blood flow goes back and away from the swollen toe. This will reduce swelling and pain.
You need ice, which you will apply to the sore finger. This will reduce the pain due to cold therapy. The ice should not be on the sore finger all the time, but for 15 minutes, then a 5-minute break and ice again. It should be wrapped in a towel, because ice tends to flow when melting, and why do you need that?
How to treat a fracture
If a toe is broken, it needs to be fixed in the correct position so that the bones can heal. This is done with a splint or cast. If the joint is displaced, the fracture will heal incorrectly, so the foot should be kept at rest until the bones heal.
To prevent possible infections, sometimes a tetanus shot and antibiotics are given for a fracture. This eliminates inflammation. Injections against possible bacterial infection are usually given for open fractures.
During the fracture treatment process
The fracture usually heals within six weeks. During this time, a person needs to consult a doctor to rule out any unexpected moments in the treatment.
First of all, you need to listen to your feelings, and if your finger starts to hurt more, seek a second consultation.
When you examine the fracture site, pay attention to the color of the skin. If there is redness at the fracture site, you should see a doctor. It may be infected.
The skin may also change color to dark blue or grayish - this is also a bad sign.
If you experience unpleasant tingling, pain, twitching or numbness in your toes, you should seek further advice.
If the wound oozes liquid in the form of blood or purulent discharge, this is a sign of infection. It is necessary to go to the clinic again to see a traumatologist or infectious disease specialist.
[ After a broken finger
Ice can be applied even after you have received first aid for a broken finger. The application regimen is 15 minutes of ice, 1 hour break, and then 15 minutes of ice again. This can be done for a day or two.
You can't put too much weight on your leg after you've had a cast put on. Otherwise, the bones will get extra stress and the fracture may not heal well.
Special shoes with orthopedic properties will soften the load on the feet, and especially on the affected toe.
To make sure that the bones have healed properly, it is advisable to have another x-ray after 6 weeks have passed since the fracture.
It is worth knowing that a toe that has been broken is more likely than others to be affected by diseases such as arthritis, it may experience repeated pain, as well as rigidity (immobility), and susceptibility to infections. Therefore, a broken toe should be protected and not subjected to stress.