Foot Problems Slideshow Pictures What Feet Say About Health Slideshow Pictures Take the Feet Facts Quiz!

Medical Author:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John 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.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa 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.

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Broken Toe Treatment

Self-Care at Home

These following things can be done at home to help decrease the pain and swelling, and help the fracture heal properly.

• Elevation
  
  
  • Swelling that occurs after the injury worsens pain.
    
    
  • To decrease swelling (and pain), keep the foot raised above the level of the heart as much as possible.
    
    
  • Prop the foot up on some pillows, especially when sleeping. Reclining in a lounge chair is also helpful.
  
  
• Ice
  
  
  • Put ice in a plastic bag and apply it to the injury for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours for the first 1-2 days. Frozen peas or corn may be used in place of ice.
    
    
  • Place a towel between the skin and the bag of ice or frozen peas or corn to protect the skin.
    
    
  
  
• Rest
  
  
  • Avoid strenuous exercise, prolonged standing, or walking.
    
    
  • Crutches may be needed, or a special shoe to wear when walking to avoid putting weight on the fracture while it heals.