The most common cause of a dislocated toe is direct injury, either bumping into something solid or dropping something heavy on it. You most likely will feel extreme pain at the time of the injury, it will be hard to bend, or even move the toe; and it will swell, become bruised or lose feeling. Sometimes a loose ligament will cause a toe to dislocate, which is extremely painful. Avoid trying to pop the toe into place yourself, as this may cause further injury. The first thing to do is stop further activity, elevate the foot, immobilize it, and apply ice. Next, make an appointment with a podiatrist immediately. An X-ray may be required, followed by manipulating the bones back into place. Followup treatments include strapping the injured toe to the one next to it, alternating ice and heat, undergoing whirlpool treatments, and doing strengthening exercises. A podiatrist can properly diagnose the severity of your toe injury and propose the proper treatment plan for you. 

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Princeton, and West Windsor, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.