Home > Blog > Treat Broken Toes with Rest, Ice, and Taping

Ace WrapThanksgiving Weekend  is here, and what better way to spend it than enjoying one of the local fall fairs. The 154th Elmdale Fall Fair offers a midway carnival, tractor pull, and horse and cattle competitions, plus booths with crafts, baked goods, photography, and more. There’s even a new Horseshoe Pitching Tournament this year. Be careful, though. What if one of those heavy rings lands hard on your foot, or your horse steps on it? If you come home with broken toes, we can help.

How do you tell if a toe is broken? Pain is an indicator, as well as bruising and swelling, and it will be difficult for you to walk. If you notice that the toe looks out of position or crooked, or if the pain is severe, it’s best to have it checked out. Some fractures need to be reduced (bones moved back into position) and casted in order to heal properly. Come in to Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic for an examination and treatment.

If the break is mild, there are several things you can do at home. First, avoid any activity that causes pain, and rest the foot above heart level whenever possible, especially for the first couple of days.

Second, apply ice wrapped in a towel for 20 minutes at a time to the bruised toe. This will help relieve pain and reduce swelling. We can also tell you which type of pain reliever is best for your situation. If the pain doesn’t get better, come and see us.

Third, you can tape the broken toe to its neighbor to act as a splint while it heals. It is important to do this correctly. We’ll show you how to properly cushion between them, straighten them, and wrap the tape with the correct tightness. You don’t want to cut off circulation, which could lead to slower healing and other problems.

Broken toes require solid shoes to keep them in position and protect them while they heal and afterwards. Footwear should be roomy enough to avoid putting pressure on them, too. In fact, before you head out to the fair, put on your heftiest and most comfortable pair of boots or shoes, and reduce your chances of injury right from the start. If you do become injured, call Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic in Collingwood, Ontario, at (705) 444-9929 for expert care.

Photo credit: patpitchaya via freedigitalphotos.net