

High-impact activities like running can lead to stress fractures in the metatarsals.Ī stress fracture can also come from a sudden increase in physical activity or a change in your exercise routine. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb your foot, and your doctor will then manipulate the fracture back into place to straighten your toe. This procedure is most often done in the doctor's office. If the bone is out of place and your toe appears deformed, it may be necessary for your doctor to manipulate, or reduce, the fracture. Taping your broken toe to an adjacent toe can also sometimes help relieve pain. During this time, it may be helpful to wear a wider than normal shoe. As your pain subsides, however, you can begin to bear weight as you are comfortable. For several days, it may be painful to bear weight on your injured toe. Most broken toes can be treated without surgery. If the bone is out of place, your toe will appear deformed. Because it is the longest of the toe bones, it is the most likely to fracture.Ī fractured toe may become swollen, tender, and discolored. The proximal phalanx is the toe bone that is closest to the metatarsals. A fracture may also result if you accidentally hit the side of your foot on a piece of furniture on the ground - and your toes are twisted or pulled sideways or in an awkward direction. Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle Fractures of the ToesĮven though toes are small, injuries to the toes can often be quite painful.Ī fracture of the toe may result from a direct injury, such as dropping a heavy object on the front of your foot, or from accidentally kicking or running into a hard object.
