Broken Toe Treatment From Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group – Serving Patients in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Other Nearby FL Cities

Broken ToeA broken toe is a common type of bone fracture that can result from trauma or repetitive stress from sports and other activities. Approximately 10 percent of all bone fractures occur in the foot and ankle, a complex structure made up of 26 bones and 33 joints, and the location of the toes at the front of the foot makes them especially vulnerable to injury. To ensure proper treatment and healing, it’s advisable to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after a toe injury occurs. Patients from Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding Florida areas who suspect they have a broken toe can consult with the outstanding physicians at Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group. Our overriding goal is to provide the highest level of orthopaedic care to those who are experiencing the symptoms of musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries.

In general, a broken toe will cause pain, swelling, and stiffness, with noticeable bruising of the skin and nail. It might be difficult to walk and wear shoes, particularly if the big toe is affected. A physician at Tampa Orthopaedic in Tampa, FL, can diagnose a break by asking questions, physically examining the injured toe, and ordering an X-ray or MRI.

In many cases, a broken toe can be treated with:

  • Pain medication
  • Rest, ice, and elevation
  • Buddy taping (taping the broken toe to an adjacent toe for support)
  • Splinting or casting

In severe cases in which a broken toe is displaced (the broken ends have moved out of place) or rotated (the toe is pointing in the wrong direction), a physician might need to physically reposition it by performing a procedure called reduction. A patient should never attempt to push or move a broken bone in any way; instead, he or she should schedule an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon or proceed to the nearest urgent care clinic or emergency room.

To learn more about treatment options for a broken toe, or to schedule a consultation with a physician, please contact Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group today. We are conveniently located at 602 South Howard Avenue, where we see patients from Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and all surrounding FL areas. Our outstanding team of orthopaedic experts is led by Daniel Murphy, M.D., a Board-certified surgeon who serves as a team physician for the New York Yankees, and Arnold Ramirez, M.D., a Board-certified sports medicine doctor who serves as a team physician for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.