Should I go to the doctor for a broken toe?

Should I go to the doctor for a broken toe?

When to Call a Doctor If you think you broke your toe, it’s best to have your doctor look at it. Even though you can often treat it yourself, a broken toe can sometimes lead to more serious problems, like infection, arthritis, or long-term foot pain.

How do you treat a broken toe at home?

Symptom Relief

1. Rest. Stop doing any physical activity that causes pain, and keep your foot immobile whenever possible.
2. For the first 24 hours, ice your toe for 20 minutes every hour you are awake, then 2 to 3 times a day.
3. Keep your foot raised to help keep swelling down.
4. Take pain medicine if necessary.

How do you know if you have sprained your toe?

What are the symptoms of a sprained toe?

1. pain, often in the entire toe or even the area around it.
2. tenderness.
3. swelling.
4. bruising.
5. trouble moving your toe.
6. joint instability.

What happens if you ignore a broken toe?

However, ignoring a broken toe can lead to a chronic, painful condition called osteoarthritis, which causes pain in the joints. In addition to future problems from the broken toe itself, you may have sustained nerve damage, especially if you have tingling or numbness in your toe.

When is a broken toe an emergency?

Seek immediate medical care if you suspect an open fracture of the toe; if there is bleeding; cold, numb, or tingling sensation; if the toe appears deformed or is pointing in the wrong direction; or blue or gray color to the injured area. A broken toe is diagnosed with a medical examination, which may include X-rays.

How to tell if your foot is broken?

Broken bones in the foot cause pain and swelling. The pain may be so bad that you may not be able to walk. Bruising or redness of the foot with a broken bone is common. Inability to bear weight on the foot may be an indication there is a fracture. Deformity of toes (dislocation) may accompany fractures of the foot.

What can happen to an untreated broken toe?

Leaving a broken toe untreated can result in various complications, from misaligned bones and infection to arthritis and permanent foot pain. The thought of a doctor visit or hospital bill may make you cringe at first, but your feet will thank you for it in the long run.