Toe fracture or dislocation  

What is this information about?

This information is about toe fracture or dislocation. 

It tells you: 

• how to look after yourself when you go home from hospital with toe fracture or dislocation 
• what exercises you can do to help heal and strengthen your toe 
• what follow-up treatment you might have 
• who to contact if you need further help and support 

What is a toe fracture?

A toe fracture is an injury that leaves you with a broken bone or bones in your toe. This happens to many people.  

What is a toe dislocation?

A toe dislocation is a joint injury in which bones in your toe are forced out of the position that they should be in. They become separated from other bones that they should be joined to. 

Do I have a fracture or a break?

If you have a fracture, it means you have a broken bone. ‘Fractured bone’ and ‘broken bone’ both mean the same. 

How long is it likely to take for my injury to heal?

It usually takes around 6 weeks for a toe fracture or toe dislocation to heal. 

Will smoking or vaping slow down my healing?

Yes. Smoking slows healing so if you smoke or vape try to stop or cut down. This is most important in the first 2 weeks after your injury. If you would like help to stop smoking talk to your GP or visit  Quit smoking – NHS for further information. 

What should I do if I am in pain after my toe fracture or dislocation?

You may have foot pain for 3 to 6 months after your injury. If you are in pain, take your usual pain killers or pain killers given to you in the emergency department. Follow the dose instructions on the packet. If you are struggling with pain, do speak to your GP or pharmacist. 

What should I do if I have a swollen foot after my toe fracture or dislocation fracture?

You may have foot swelling for 3 to 6 months after your injury. Swelling is often worse at the end of the day. To reduce swelling that you may get soon after your injury:  

• apply cold packs (ice pack or frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel) to the sore area for up to 15 minutes every few hours. This can provide short-term pain relief.  

• try to rest your foot, especially in the first 24 to 72 hours (1 to 3 days). Raise your foot on a stool or cushions so that it is above the level of your hip. 

Can I walk after my toe fracture or dislocation?

Yes. You can walk on the foot as much as is comfortable. You may find crutches help to take some of the weight off your foot so that you can walk more comfortably.  

Will I have further (follow up) appointments?

Yes. You will need to have a follow up appointment 1 to 2 weeks after your injury. You will be sent an appointment time and date by post, or you will be given a phone call if it is close to the appointment date. 

What should I do from week 1 to week 4 after my injury?

• Rest your foot for the first 24 to 72 hours (1 to 3 days). Try to raise it above the level of your hips. For example, rest it on some pillows if you are lying down or a stool if you are sitting. This will help to reduce your swelling. 
• Keep moving around and walk on the foot as much as is comfortable. If we have given you a boot or rigid sole shoe for comfort wear it when you are walking. Take it off at night or when you are resting. 
• Start doing the exercises shown below as soon as possible. Moving your foot and ankle as soon as you can after your injury helps your blood to circulate and reduces your chance of getting a Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clot).  
• Do these exercises about 5 times a day. Start straight away, working within your pain levels. 

Exercises

1. Point your foot up and down. Repeat this 10 times.  

2. With your heels together, move your toes apart to turn the foot outwards. Repeat this 10 times. Do not stretch so much that it hurts.  

3. Make gentle circles with your foot in one direction and then the other direction. Repeat this 10 times

What should I do if I am struggling with my boot or my rigid sole shoe?

The boot and shoe have a thicker sole than your usual shoes. This can make you feel that your legs are uneven in length.  

Make sure you wear a shoe or trainer on your uninjured foot that will support it. This will reduce stress on your other joints. If you need more advice, contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic. 

What should I do if I have diabetes?

If you have diabetes there is a greater chance that pressure on your skin over a long period could cause skin ulcers. Wearing a boot or rigid sole shoe could cause pressure on your skin. 

What other things can the Virtual Fracture Clinic help me with?

Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic if you: 

• are concerned about your symptoms 
• are struggling to return to exercise or your usual activities 
• would like further information or support after you have read this information. 

When can I start driving?

You can return to driving when: 

• you are no longer using your boot or rigid sole shoe 
• you can walk comfortably  
• you can safely deal with all emergency situations without being in pain or hesitating. For example, you must be able to stop the car quickly and in full control and safely avoid obstacles 
• you are covered by your insurance company. 

How can I get a certificate to say that I am fit to work?

You can get a fitness for work statement from the Virtual Fracture Clinic. 

What do I do with my ankle boot, rigid sole shoe, and crutches when I no longer need them?

How do I contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic?