What Happens If A Broken Toe Doesn’t Heal Properly

When we think of broken bones in our feet, a toe fracture is frequently the issue that comes to mind. Almost everyone has stubbed their toes or had something dropped on their toes (even while wearing shoes), and the result is often a serious toe injury. However, many people think that broken toes heal on their own and there is no need to see a doctor or a podiatrist when you suffer from an injured toe.

Although a toe fracture heals on its own in ways that other bones in the body cannot, it is still wise to have a trained medical professional examine the injured toe and determine the extent of the injury. A severe fracture can have serious consequences on your life if it is left to heal improperly. When a toe is broken, the pain and swelling will be similar to a fracture in any other body part.

Having an experienced podiatrist in Saratoga Springs, UT, check out the broken toe and provide medical care will be the surest way to know that your foot will not be negatively affected by the injury. If the injury worsens, the pain will become unbearable, so you must have any broken bone looked at and given the right treatment.

At Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute in Saratoga Springs, UT, our expert podiatrists will examine the big toe through the little toe and ensure that your broken toe symptoms will not worsen or lead to life-long issues in your feet. If you let your toe fracture heal properly, you will not have to worry about developing arthritis or other serious complications.

Symptoms Of A Fractured Toe That Has Not Properly Healed

You will know if your broken toe has not healed properly or thoroughly. Even a minor or small fracture that has not healed right can cause serious problems in the future. Some of the symptoms of a broken toe that has not been able to heal completely include:

Continuing or worsening pain in the toe
Redness or warmth in the toe
Fever
Aches
Fatigue
Continuous or worsening bruising and swelling
The skin color on the toe changes to blue or grey

If you have noticed any or all of these symptoms of a broken toe that has not healed correctly, contact our experienced podiatrists at Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute to schedule an appointment for a medical evaluation for your broken toes.

How To Correct Broken Toes That Are Not Healing Properly

Broken toes are usually healed within a few weeks, and patients report little side-effects from the healing process. This is especially true if they had their broken toe examined by a medical professional. However, if you are beginning to notice that the pain in your broken toe is not subsiding unless you use pain medication or that the swelling remains the same, you are likely to need medical assistance.

You should be especially concerned if the broken toe is your big toe. Whether it is a simple toe fracture or an open or compound fracture in the big toe, improper healing in that toe can lead to serious complications when it comes to your ability to walk and balance correctly. The best way to correct a broken toe is to schedule an appointment with an experienced podiatrist.

You may be able to make a few corrections at home after seeing your podiatrist avoid problems or possibly even a deformity from the injured toes. At-home remedies can also provide you with severe pain relief. Your podiatrist may recommend investing in sturdy and supportive shoes, keeping your foot raised while seated, avoiding putting weight on it unless necessary, using pain medications if the pain is severe, and buddy taping to encourage healing.

Risks Associated With An Improperly Healed Toe Fracture

While it is true that a broken toe is usually not a life-threatening issue, improper healing can have life-long consequences down the line. The dangers of an improperly healed toe include:

Limited mobility in the toe
Discomfort while wearing shoes
Altered gait or walking
Ankle, knee, and back problems
Surgery to correct the poor healing
Hematomas
Chronic arthritis
Bone infections
Permanent nerve damage

Broken toes are not usually counted on the list of severe injuries. Still, even a stress fracture in the toe can cause serious issues with the rest of your body and limit your abilities in your daily life. These risks can be avoided if you seek medical evaluation as soon as possible following a very bad fracture. It is important to contact our podiatrists at Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute to examine your toes and ensure proper treatment.

Contact Our Experienced Podiatrists In Saratoga Springs For Your Broken Bone

Because a fracture involves breaking part of a bone, there is always the risk of the bone not coming back together in the right way. If you or a family member has sustained a toe injury (even simple fractures), contact the experienced and skilled medical professionals at Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute for an examination and diagnosis. A broken toe that does not heal right can have severe complications for you in the future, and a simple call to our podiatrists at Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute can ensure you avoid those complications.

Contact our podiatric team today to learn more about fractures in the big toe, pinky toe, or middle toes. We can help you determine the severity of the injury and the best course of treatment for your situation.

Call us at 801-756-4200 to schedule your appointment. Remember, waiting can be why you develop more medical concerns, such as osteoarthritis in your toes later in life. Our medical help can prevent that!