Broken Toe
Medical Author:
John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEPJohn P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Broken Toe OverviewEach toe is made up of several bones. One or more of these bones may be broken (fractured) after an injury to the foot or toes. Broken Toe CausesBroken toes usually result from trauma or injury to the foot or toe. Injuries such as stubbing a toe or dropping a heavy object on a toe may cause a fracture. A broken toe may result from prolonged repetitive stress or movements, as in certain sports activities. This is called a stress fracture. Viewer Comments & ReviewsBroken Toe - HealingThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Did your broken toe affect your daily movements and activities? Broken Toe - Describe Your ExperienceThe eMedicineHealth physician editors asked:Please describe your experience with Broken Toe. |
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Broken Toe
Nail Injuries Overview
The fingernail is an important part of fingertip function. It provides support for the finger pad and improves sensation. The toenail functions in a similar manner in the foot.
Injuries to the nail can range from a bruise under the nail to separation of the nail from the nail bed. They can be complex wounds to repair. Permanent deformity to the nail can result, even after proper repair.
The nail is a complex structure involving three different layers.
- The nail bed (or matrix or plate) is underneath the nail and is responsible for nail growth and support.
- The nail itself is the hard substance on the back of the finger or toe.
- The eponychium (cuticle) and lateral nail folds (raised skin on the sides of the nail) are also part of the nail.
Nail Injuries Causes
Most injuries to the nail arise from one of three mechanisms.
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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
Fracture, Foot »
Approximately 10% of all fractures occur in the 26 bones of the foot.
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