Toe and Forefoot Fractures

The forefoot is the front of the foot and includes the toes. Fractures occurring in this part of the foot are painful but very often not disabling. There are 2 types of common fractures in this area, namely, traumatic fracture and stress fracture. Traumatic fractures occur when there is a direct impact of your foot on a hard surface. Stress fractures are tiny hair line cracks in the bone, most commonly caused due to repeated stress. The symptoms of toe and forefoot fractures include pain, bruising, swelling and inability to walk.

Toe and forefoot fractures can be treated by the following ways:

• Rest: Adequate amount of rest can sometimes help heal a traumatic or stress fracture.
• Splinting: Splints may be applied to keep the toe in a fixed position.
• Rigid shoe: A stiff-soled shoe may be recommended to protect the toe.
• Buddy taping: The fractured toe is taped to the adjacent toe with a gauze pad between the toes.

Surgery: Your doctor realigns the fractured bones using pins or screws to hold the bones in place until they heal completely