What are foot and toe fractures?

Foot and toe fractures are when you have a crack or break in your bone. A fracture is a term used to describe a broken bone.

The severity of your fracture depends on:

• which bone you've hurt
• the cause of your injury
• your age and general health

What symptoms are related to foot and toe fractures?

You may have broken your foot or toe if it's:

• red
• bruised
• painful or swollen
• difficult to walk on

What causes foot and toe fractures?

You may also fracture your foot by hitting the side of your foot. This could be on furniture or the ground. This can pull your toes sideways or in an awkward direction.

Stress fractures are typically caused by taking part in high-impact sports like running, soccer and basketball.

Fractures to the bones in the middle of your foot are uncommon. They are usually caused by motor vehicle accidents or crush injuries.

Broken toes are usually caused by an accident. This might be from stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on your foot.

How are foot and toe fractures diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine your foot and ask about your symptoms. They may compare your injured foot to your other foot.

Sometimes your doctor will arrange for you to have imaging. This can help to diagnose the fracture, such as:

• an x-ray
• a CT scan
• an MRI scan

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if:

• after 2 to 3 days your pain and swelling are not improving
• it still hurts to walk 6 weeks after hurting your foot or toe
• you have diabetes and have injured your foot or toe

Broken toes can often be treated at home if:

• the bone is not sticking out of your foot
• your toe is not pointing at an odd angle
• it's not your big toe
• there's no wound on your toe or foot

When to seek urgent care

Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance or go to hospital immediately if bone is visible through the skin, if there is heavy bleeding or if the injured area is an unusual colour or shape.

Go to the emergency department if:

• the bone is sticking out of your toe
• your toe is pointing out at an odd angle
• you think you have broken your big toe
• there was a snap, grinding or popping noise at the time of injury
• you feel tingling or numbness in your toe or foot

Ask someone to drive you to hospital or call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

How are foot and toe fractures treated?

In most cases, a fracture will heal with rest and a change in your activities.

Do not worry if you're not sure if your toe is broken or bruised. The treatment is usually the same for both.

Broken toes usually heal within 4 to 6 weeks. But they can sometimes take several months to heal.

Self-care at home

Follow the ‘RICE' guidelines to help with your pain and swelling.

• Rest — try to rest your foot. Avoid walking around as much as possible.
• Ice — ice your toe for 20 minutes every 1-2 hours. Use an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in tea-towel. Continue this for 3 to 10 days after your injury.
• Compression — wear a compression bandage or elastic stocking. This can help to reduce swelling. Loosen the compression bandage if you get:
  • pins and needles
  • numbness
  • your toes change colour
• Elevate — raise your foot above the level of your heart.

You may want to strap your broken toe. Place a small piece of cotton wool or gauze between your sore toe and the toe next to it. Then tape them together to support your sore toe.

While you are recovering, wear wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel.

You can drive once your pain is under control. You should also feel confident to do an emergency stop.

Medicines for foot and toe fractures

You can take ibuprofen or paracetamol for any pain or swelling.

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist about which medicine is best for you.

Other treatment options

If you have fractured your foot or big toe, you may be given a special shoe or boot to wear. You can remove this boot to shower and sleep.

Most foot and toe fractures do not need surgery.

If you have an open fracture (the bone sticks through the skin) you will need to see an orthopaedic surgeon. An orthopaedic surgeon is a doctor who specialises in bones.

If after 6 weeks you are still having trouble walking, you may benefit from physiotherapy.

What are the complications of foot and toe fractures?

Complications from foot fractures are:

• arthritis
• infection
• the bone healing in a strange position
• the bone not healing
• compartment syndrome

Up to 1 in 10 stress fractures can fail to heal. If this happens, you may need surgery.

Research shows that smoking makes it harder for your body to heal. Quitting smoking or vaping will improve your chance of a good outcome.

Can foot and toe fractures be prevented?

These tips may help prevent a broken foot or toe bone:

• Wear shoes that support your feet. Wear the right athletic shoes for your sport. Use hiking shoes on rough ground.
• Get rid of clutter in your home — this can help stop trips and falls.
• Use night lights.
• Build your bone strength — get enough calcium and vitamin D.
• Start any new fitness programs slowly.

Read more about things you can do to prevent falls.

If you are at risk of osteoporosis, it's important to get tested. Getting treated for osteoporosis can lower your risk of fractures in the future.

Resources and support

• Learn more about healthy bones.
• Accidents can cause fractures. Visit Kidsafe Australia to find out how to prevent accidents involving children.
• For first aid information, visit St John Ambulance Australia. You can also call this service on 1300 ST JOHN.
• You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.