Toe fractures: discharge advice

You have been treated for a toe fracture. This leaflet explains how to look after your toe at home.

You have fractured one or more toe bones in your foot

These fractures almost always heal well with time and use - no specific treatment is required and therefore routine follow-up is not necessary.
The fracture has occurred in a part of the bone that normally heals well without problems.
The pain, tenderness and swelling you are experiencing in the toe(s) should gradually settle over a period of several weeks.
During this time, you may find walking on the foot painful and it may initially help to walk on your heel.
You may be provided with a support for the foot in the form of either a strap and/or a removable orthopaedic Velcro shoe, depending on the type of injury. If required, you will also be provided with crutches.
You may walk on the foot as much as pain allows and you should gradually discard the support over 3-5 weeks as the pain settles.
Most injuries heal without any problems – however, it may take several months for your symptoms to settle completely.
Occasionally, the fracture may fail to heal and continue to be painful even after several months. A surgical procedure may then be needed at this stage to help heal the fracture.
If you have any worries or concerns following discharge from hospital, please contact us.

If you are still in pain please despite this, please also discuss your follow up care with your GP.
If you are very concerned then you may attend the A and E department however at this time we advise that you do this only if you are very concerned and it is an emergency. The A and E department will be occupied with patients requiring lifesaving treatment and it is important to allow these patients to access the care they need