What is it? A toe fracture is a break in the bone of the toe. It may take three to six weeks for your child's bone to heal. An x-ray will show when the broken bone is healed.
What causes a toe fracture? Toes can be broken in many different ways. Children often break them when they run into something and stub their toe. Toes can also be broken or crushed while playing a sport. Fractures in children younger than one year of age are uncommon because their bones are very flexible and "rubbery". Fractures in these children may be caused by problems with how a bone was formed, tumors, or physical abuse.
What are the signs and symptoms of a toe fracture?
Your child's toe may hurt when he walks or stands on it.
The skin on your child's broken toe may swell, bruise, and bleed if the skin is broken.
Your child's toe may feel weak, numb, or tingly.
Your child's toe may feel stiff, and he may not be able to move or bend the fractured toe.
Your child's toe may not look normal or may even look bent if the bones are out of place.
How is a toe fracture diagnosed? A caregiver will examine your child and ask questions about your child's injury. Your child may need x-rays. These are pictures of the bones inside of the toes and foot.
How is a toe fracture treated? Caregivers pay close attention to fractures near growth plates. Ask your child's caregiver if your child's fracture may affect his bone growth. Your child's treatment will depend on which toe is broken, and the type of fracture he has. Your child may need to do one or more of the following to treat the fractured toe:
Buddy taping: Your child's caregiver will put a small bandage between the fractured toe and the toe next to it. Then the caregiver will tape both toes together with adhesive tape. This helps to support and prevent movement of your child's broken toe so that it can heal. Give your child wide shoes with stiff soles to wear. These will also help to prevent movement and protect your child's toe.
Special shoe: The caregiver may give your child a special shoe or walking cast to wear. This will prevent movement and protect your child's toe so it can heal. This shoe may also make it easier for your child to walk.
Ice, elevate, and rest: Put crushed ice in a plastic bag or use a bag of frozen peas or corn. Cover it with a towel. Place this on your child's toe for 15 to 20 minutes every hour as long as he needs it. When your child sits or lies down, lift his foot about the level of his heart, and rest it on pillows. This will help decrease the swelling and pain of the toe. Your child should rest his toe. Do not let him exercise using the foot with the fractured toe until it is healed.
Medicine:
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen: Ask your child's caregiver if you may give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain or fever. Do not give your child aspirin. It may cause a very serious illness called Reye's Syndrome. Do not give your child other over-the-counter (OTC) medicines without first talking to your child's caregiver. Read the label on the medicine bottle. Do not give your child more medicine, or give it more often than the directions say to.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help your child fight an infection caused by a germ called bacteria.
Tetanus shot: If your child scratched or tore some skin, he may need a tetanus shot. This shot will protect your child against tetanus (the bacteria that causes lockjaw).
Reduction: If your child's bone is dislocated or displaced (the broken parts are out of place), he may need a reduction. During this procedure, the caregiver lines up the broken parts of bone so they can heal normally. If your child's toe bone is severely (badly) displaced or injured, he may need surgery. During surgery, a reduction may be done. Your child may need to have pins or screws put into the bone. These can help to keep the broken bone parts lined up so his toe can heal correctly.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
