Broken Toes: Small Bones, Big Problems

There are 206 bones in your body, over one-quarter of which are in your feet and ankles. Of those, more than half are in your toes. That’s a lot of little bones!

Healthy toes are critical to your ability to stand and walk comfortably, but those tiny bones are fragile and easily broken. The bones in the toes are often injured through tripping, falling, stubbing, or dropping something on them. Symptoms of broken toes include pain and bruising.

There are a lot of myths around broken toes. Many people believe that, if you can walk on your injured toe, it’s not broken. This is false. It’s not unusual for a broken toe to be uncomfortable, but not so much so that movement is impossible. The danger is that walking on an untreated broken toe can exacerbate the problem and lead to further issues. But what about that treatment? Many people think that there’s nothing to be done for a broken toe, but this isn’t true, either! After examination and diagnosis, a board-certified podiatrist like Dr. Eric Kosofsky and Dr. Robert Rutstein can offer help. Common approaches include taping, splinting, immobilization with a cast or boot, physical therapy, and custom orthotics to provide cushioning and support.

If you have injured a toe, you can try 24 hours of at-home RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) treatment. If that doesn’t resolve your issue, a visit to your board-certified foot doctor is in order. With years of specialized training and experience, your podiatrist is a medical expert and the best-qualified professional to care for your feet, ankles, and lower legs.

Are you worried that you may have broken a toe, or do you have any other concerns about the health and wellness of your feet and ankles? Schedule an appointment to see Eric Kosofsky, DPM and Robert Rutstein, DPM in Hartford Podiatry Group’s modern, comfortable offices in Hartford and Rocky Hill. Call our friendly staff at 860-523-8026 or click here to get started today.