Toe fracture or dislocation

Patient information leaflet

Overview of your injury

• You have a toe fracture or dislocation.
• This is a break to the toe or when the joint comes out of place. Healing
• Smoking will slow down your healing. We would advise that you stop smoking while your fracture heals.
• Talk to your GP or go to www.smokefree.nhs.uk for more information.

Pain and swelling

• You may have foot pain and swelling for three to six months after your injury.
• Swelling is often worse at the end of the day.
• Taking pain medication, elevating your foot and using ice or cold packs will help.
• Continue reading for more information about pain and swelling.

Walking and your boot

• A boot or strapping of the toes is sometimes required for protection and comfort.
• If done, these are only needed for the first three weeks.
• The boot can be taken off at night and at rest.

• Please inform us if you are diabetic; you may need a special boot.
• You are allowed to put weight through your foot.
• You may find it easier to use crutches or on your heel initially.

Exercises

• It is important to start exercises as soon as possible. Instructions are further on in this leaflet.

Follow up

• A follow up appointment is not normally needed for this injury.
• If you still have a lot of pain and swelling three months after your injury, please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic team.

Any questions?

• Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic if:
• You are worried about your symptoms
• Cannot follow this rehabilitation plan
• Have pain in places other than your injury.

Caring for your injury: Week 1-3

• If you were given a boot, wear it when standing and walking.
• You can remove the boot when resting, at night and to wash and dress.
• Wear a long sock in your boot.
• Using a cold pack will help with your pain and swelling.
• You can use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel.
• Put this on your foot for up to 15 minutes every few hours.
• Make sure the ice is not in direct contact with your skin.
• Try to rest your foot, especially in the first 24-72 hours.
• Raise your foot on a stool or cushions to that it is above the level of your hip.
• This will help to reduce your swelling.

Exercises

• Move your ankle and foot early to help blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Do these exercises three to four times a day.
• Start straight away and stop if it is too painful.

Caring for your injury: Week 3-12

• If you were provided with a boot, you should now try to stop using it.
• You can also remove any tape around your toes.
• Stop wearing the boot at home first. You may still need it for longer walks.
• Aim to stop using your boot by 6 weeks after your injury. The goal is to be walking without the boot by this time.
• It is normal to still have mild discomfort and swelling.
• This may continue for three to six months.

Activity and Exercise

• Keep doing your exercises until you have full movement of your foot.
• Gradually increase your level of activity.
• You should avoid impact activity for three months.
• This includes running, jumping and dancing.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am struggling with my boot. What do I do?

• The boot has a thicker sole; this can make you feel uneven.
• Make sure you wear a supportive shoe or trainer on your uninjured foot.
• This will reduce stress on other joints.
• If you need more advice, contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.

I am diabetic, does this change things?

• If you are diabetic, please contact us to discuss your boot.
• This is very important if you have problems with your skin.
• We may provide you with a specialist diabetic boot.

When can I start driving?

• When you are no longer using your boot
• When you can walk comfortably
• When you can perform an emergency stop pain free.
• Always test your ability to drive in a safe environment first.

How can I get a certificate for work?

• You can get a ‘fitness for work’ statement from your GP or the doctor at your Fracture Clinic appointment.

What do I do with my boot and crutches when I no longer need them?

• We cannot reuse boots. Do not return to the hospital.
• Crutches can be returned to the Fracture Clinic or A&E.

How do I contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic?

• Call us on 020 7288 3310 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
• Email whh-tr.fracturevirtualclinic@nhs.net

With thanks to Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust for kindly sharing their information sheets with us with full permission to use contents and images.