Lesser toe fracture Patient Information Leaflet (156kB pdf)
Introduction
We hope this guide will answer your questions about your foot injury. Please contact the team if you require further information via the details at the end of this leaflet.
What is a lesser toe fracture?
You have broken a bone(s) in one of the small toes.
How long will this take to heal?
These fractures normally heal well without problems. The usual healing time is six to eight weeks, but it may take several months for the foot to feel normal again.
What are the treatment options?
Usual treatment involves painkillers, a strap and crutches.
Will I need follow up?
Routine follow up is not necessary due to the nature of the injury.
Are there any complications?
The pain, tenderness and swelling you are experiencing in the toe should gradually settle over a period of several weeks.
How will this be managed?
Your broken toe will be strapped to the neighbouring toe. If required, you will also be provided with crutches. It is best to wear good supportive shoes with plenty of room for your toes and firm soles.
During this time, you may find walking on the foot painful – it may help to walk on the heel initially. You may walk on the foot as much as pain allows. The strapping can usually be discarded gradually after three weeks as the pain settles.
Is there anything to avoid?
You are allowed to weight bear as tolerated.
What are the options if the toe remains painful?
Occasionally the fracture may fail to heal (smoking is a risk factor) and continue to be painful even after several months. A surgical procedure may be needed at this stage to help heal the fracture. Your own GP will need to refer you for this.
Smoking cessation
Stopping smoking will ensure optimal recovery from this injury therefore it is important to consider this advice. For more information and help, contact your GP or refer to NHS website.
Contacting the team
If your pain in your ankle becomes worse, lasts more than four weeks or you are concerned about your ankle, please contact the virtual fracture clinic team on 01279 973362 Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
Out of hours please contact the orthopaedic Resident Doctor on-call via
switchboard on 01279 444455.
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We want to hear from you when someone goes the extra mile to provide outstanding
care. Please call us on 01279 827084 or email: [email protected]
To speak about an issue or complaint
If you would like to give feedback on your care, please contact our patient experience team on [email protected] or 01279 827211.
Accessibility
Please contact the communications team on [email protected] or 01279 827926 if you would like this leaflet in another language or format.