A broken toe is a debilitating condition that can affect individuals of all ages, be it:
- A Stress Fracture
- The Result of Overuse
- Toe-Stubbing Accident
Depending on the extent of the injury, it can keep you off your foot for up to 4 weeks and with understandable pain and discomfort, which is not an ideal turn of events for those who have work, school and other daily responsibilities.
In The Meantime…
Fortunately, there are numerous temporary solutions that can be implemented immediately after the injury while you wait for professional care from your foot and ankle specialists. One such solution is to tape your broken toe in order to provide support and protection to the misaligned joints and prevent further injury.
The following is a step-by-step guide on how to tape a broken toe:
- Establish which toe is fractured based on common symptoms, including pain, swelling, discoloration and/or visible misalignment.
- Determine which toes you are going to tape. As a general rule, it is best to tape toes that are similar in size and shape, and to never tape two injured toes together.
- Place a cotton ball between the toes to prevent blistering, and consider using a popsicle stick as a splint.
- Tape the toes together loosely to allow for optimal stability yet adequate circulation, preferably using gauze or medical tape. If unavailable, any other tape or bandaging will work.
Please note that while toe taping is a great solution in the majority of cases, it may cause a loss of joint motion as well as decreased blood flow and potential infection. If you experience any pain after taping your toe, remove the tape immediately. Furthermore, taping should not be utilized when you suffer from a condition such as diabetes or peripheral arterial disease, as poor circulation may result in necrosis, i.e., tissue death.
Why suffer from a broken toe any longer than absolutely necessary? Contact us at 941-792-1404 or visit online to make an appointment with one of our Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch foot and ankle specialists.
