Painful Fifth Toe-Broken Toe

One of the most common reasons a fifth toe is tender (and swollen) is because it is broken. Every week, I have patients come into the office stating they bumped their little toe on something (the bed, a table, a chair, toys, a pet), and it is not improving. There are three bones in the fifth toe, and they are called phlanages. These bones are very small, and because this toe is on the outside of the foot, it is easy to injure. A good clinical exam in the office and x-rays are the best ways to diagnose a broken toe. Sometimes the fracture or break is hard to see on x-ray since the bones are so small. Treatment options for a broken fifth toe are strapping, surgery shoes, antiinflammatory medicine, ice, rest, and very occasionally surgery. Fractured bones often take 6-8 weeks to heal if properly diagnosed and treated. Certain diseases and conditions can delay healing in some patients. Does your little toe hurt? Give us a call, 708-763-0580.