A broken toe is a painful injury that may keep you off your feet for quite some time. This can be a difficult reality for an avid runner or athlete to accept. If you have broken your toe, it is strongly suggested that you rest it for several weeks to ensure a full recovery. Whether or not you can run, exercise, or even bear weight on a broken toe will depend on which toe is broken and the severity of the fracture. If the big toe is broken, then running will likely be impossible, as the big toe is responsible for pushing off the ground when you run and keeping the foot stable. If you have broken one of the three middle toes, it may be possible to exercise if the fracture is not severe, has not altered your gait, and you can still fit your foot comfortably in your running shoes. You should always follow the advice of a podiatrist prior to attempting any exercise with a foot or ankle injury. If you have broken your toe, please consult with a podiatrist.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.