If the break is particularly severe, you may need surgery to put the broken bones back into the correct position and fix them in place with special pins or screws. any wounds cleaned, and possibly antibiotics or a tetanus jab if your vaccinations aren't up-to-date.crutches so you can walk without putting weight on the toe.a cast or a special wooden-soled shoe or boot to support your big toe if it's broken.a procedure to drain blood from underneath the nail of the affected toe, or remove the nail completely if there's a lot of blood trapped under it.a procedure to move any out of place bones back into the right position – a doctor can often do this with their hands (no cuts are needed) while your foot is numbed with local anaesthetic.an X-ray of your foot to check if your toe is broken and how severe the break is.If your toe is badly broken, you may need: severe pain under the nail, which may be the result of a collection of blood.the toe is severely deformed – for example, the toe is bent at an angle or the bone is sticking out of the skin.the skin on your toe has turned blue or grey.your toes are cold and numb or tingling.you have had a severe injury, such as your foot being crushed or a road traffic accident.Go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department if: you're still having problems, such as pain not improving or difficulty walking, after more than two to three weeks.you have a condition that affects the nerves or blood circulation in your feet, such as diabetes or peripheral arterial disease (PAD).you have a wound or broken skin near the injured toe, which will need cleaning to prevent infection.the swelling or discolouration doesn't improve after a few days.the pain gets worse or isn't relieved by ordinary painkillers – your GP may be able to prescribe a stronger painkiller.When to see your GPĬheck the toe every day and call your GP if: You can gradually return to your normal activities once you're able to wear shoes and walk around without discomfort. Wear sturdy shoes with a stiff sole that don't squash or bend the toe.Don't give aspirin to a child under 16 years of age. Take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve the pain.Rest the toe by not walking or standing for too long at first, and not putting weight on the toe until the pain starts to improve. Hold an ice pack (try frozen peas wrapped in a towel) to the toe for 15-20 minutes every few hours for the first couple of days. Don't apply ice directly to the skin.Keep your foot raised (ideally above the level of your heart) whenever you can during the first few days – for example, by resting it on cushions.Put a piece of cotton wool or gauze between the injured toe and the one next to it, and tape them together with a plaster or surgical tape.The following tips can be used to care for a broken toe: See below for advice about when to see your GP and when to go to hospital. Don't worry if you're not sure, as the treatment is usually the same for both. It can be difficult to tell if a toe is broken or just badly hurt. If the break is severe, the toe may stick out at an angle or the bone may poke through the skin. More severe breaks may take longer to heal and may need treatment in hospital. A broken or fractured toe can be very painful, but isn't usually serious and can often be treated at home.
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