Toe fracture

Patient information leaflet

Overview of your injury

• You have been diagnosed with a fracture of your toe(s).
• In most cases these heal by themselves.
• Your toe(s) may be swollen or bruised.
• This is normal. It should slowly get better over the next few weeks.
• The toe(s) may be strapped (as shown) or left free.

Toe strapping

• Swelling may make it difficult to wear your normal shoes.
• You may be given a heel-wedge shoe, like the one shown.

Heel-wedge shoe

• This helps you walk on your heel and keeps pressure off your injured toe(s).
• The fracture can take around 6 weeks to heal (diabetes and smoking can delay this).
• When you are resting, keep your foot raised to reduce swelling.
• Use ice and simple pain relief if needed.
• After 6 weeks, try walking without the shoe if it is not painful. If possible, wear one of your own shoes.
• If it is still painful after 6 weeks, please contact the Fracture Clinic and we will arrange an appointment.
• Please refer to the DVLA website regarding your fitness to drive.
• A range of patient information leaflets and videos providing guidance and advice are available here:

Contact our Service

• Our outpatient clinics run between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
• If you have any concerns or problems during these times, please contact:

Clinic 1B,
Whittington Hospital,
Magdala Avenue,
London,
N19 5NF

• The Fracture clinic: 020 7288 3799 or 5659
• The Plaster room: 020 7288 5668
• Contact the Emergency Department at any other time on 020 7288 3304.