Toe and Metatarsal Fractures

Toe and metatarsal fractures are some of the most common foot-related injuries. At Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists, with offices in Atoka, Cordova, and East Memphis, Tennessee, the highly skilled podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating toe and metatarsal fractures. After an exam, your provider can determine the severity of your injury and make treatment recommendations. Call the nearest office to receive treatment for a toe or metatarsal fracture today, or book online.

What are toe and metatarsal fractures?

Fractures, or broken bones, occur because of trauma or general wear-and-tear. Toe and metatarsal fractures affect the bones at the front of your foot (forefoot). You have five metatarsals and 14 toe bones, all susceptible to injury.

If you drop something heavy on your toes or have persistent pain in the ball of your foot, contact Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists immediately. Intervention and treatment can prevent the injury from worsening and encourage your body’s natural healing process. 

What are the symptoms of toe and metatarsal fractures?

Symptoms of toe and metatarsal fractures include:

• Swelling
• Throbbing pain
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Difficulty walking or putting weight on the affected foot

You might also have a visible deformity, like a piece of bone that breaks through your skin, depending on the fracture’s severity.

When should I seek treatment for toe and metatarsal fractures?

Make an appointment at Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists if you injure your toes or forefoot and have pain, swelling, or bruising that doesn’t improve with ice, rest, or elevation. That’s especially true if the pain worsens or affects your mobility.

How are toe and metatarsal fractures diagnosed?

To diagnose a toe or metatarsal fracture, your Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when the pain started, if it extends into other parts of your foot, and if it’s worse at certain times, like after standing or walking.

Next, they examine your forefoot and toes, looking for swelling, bruising, or skin discoloration. They also check for open wounds or visible deformities, like protruding bones. If visual observation doesn’t provide enough information, your provider orders X-rays to get a better look at your bones and joints.

How are toe and metatarsal fractures treated?

Treatment of toe and metatarsal fractures depends on the location and severity of your injury. Your Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists provider might recommend:

• Rest
• Splinting
• Wearing rigid or stiff-toed shoes
• “Buddy taping”
• Physical therapy

If you have a severe fracture and there’s a gap between the bones, your provider might recommend orthopedic surgery. Fracture repair surgery uses fixation devices, like pins, rods, or screws, to hold your bones in the proper position and encourage healing.

Call the nearest Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists office to receive treatment for a toe or metatarsal fracture today, or book online.