How to take care of a broken pinky toe?

Oh no, you’ve done it. You stubbed your pinky toe so hard that you’re pretty sure it’s broken. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide on how to take care of a broken pinky toe.

Symptoms of a Broken Pinky Toe

Before we dive into the nitty gritty details, let’s make sure that your suspicions are correct – is your pinky toe actually broken? Some common symptoms include:

  • Pain and swelling in the affected area
  • Bruising or discoloration
  • Difficulty walking or putting weight on the foot
  • Numbness or tingling sensations

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms after injuring your toe, it’s best to assume that it may be broken and take steps to treat it accordingly.

First Aid for Your Injured Pinky Toe

Once you suspect that your toe may be broken, there are several ways that you can provide first aid before seeking professional medical attention:

Rest and Elevate Your Foot

It may not come as a surprise to hear this from us but… rest is key! While moving around might seem like an enticing option (e.g., wanting run away from embarrassment), try elevating your foot instead. Sit down somewhere comfy and use pillows (or flowers if pillows aren’t possible) underneath/around your injured foot to reduce inflammation.

Apply Ice Packs Regularly

As much as ice cream sounds delicious right now, what we really mean by ‘ice pack’ is wrapping some cubes up in cloth/towel then applying them onto/toes near/injury site regularly for ~10 minutes1. This will help keep swelling at bay while providing temporary relief from pain.

Wrap It Up!

Accordingto Mayo Clinicref, “Buddy taping” could be a great solution when it comes to broken toes. Here is what you should do:

  1. Use a piece of tape or bandage and apply some padding beneath the injured toe (For instance, use cotton balls).

  2. Using another small strip of tape, attach the injured toe to either side of an adjacent healthy toe.

And there you have it – your own homemade cast!

[Image: Buddy Tape]

When Should I Seek Medical Help?

Treating your broken pinky toe at home can be incredibly helpful; however, it’s sometimes necessary to see a medical professional for specialized care.

Here are some scenarios in which seeking medical help ASAP would be necessary:

  • The pain level increases even if self treatment measures are taken such as rest and ice.
  • There is any case where the break appears visibly out-of-place or deformed.
  • You’re experiencing severe numbness in the affected foot
  • Difficulty moving your ankle upwards / problem straightening your toe

In these cases, do not hesitate; just pick up that phone and call an ambulance!

Ongoing Treatment & Care

The healing process doesn’t stop once you’ve seen your doctor/ems provider/or used first aid remedies described above. There are several ongoing treatments/care strategies that you can utilize throughout recovery period so as to avoid annoying the little guy/gal down there trying his/her best(^_^)

Wear Proper Footwear

You know those sandals with five individual slots for each finger-toe? Yeah…don’t wear those right now 2. Instead, it’s best to wear shoes that provide enough cushioning (e.g., may recommend by a podiatrist) and support which could defend you from further injury until full healing/recovery is achieved.

Do Toe Exercises

Just because your pinky toe is broken doesn’t mean you should skip leg day! Or even worse…Toe Day!!! 3

Try some of these exercises to help get your little guy/gal on the road towards recovery:

  • Pick up small objects such as marbles or utensils with your affected foot
  • Wiggle each individual toe separately
  • Stretch out your toes using a resistance band
    Nice and easy. No pain no gain? Nah uh – only nice & slow.

Follow Your Doctor’s instructions

If you’re prescribed any medication from doctor(who might have lovely handwriting), make sure to follow those guidelines and /or take them as directed. You won’t be doing yourself any favors if you are getting high instead of treating the injured little digit.[^5]

Conclusion

Broken pinky toes can happen to anyone at anytime but last we checked, they don’t grow back like gecko tails[^_] . But not all hope is lost! By taking care of yourself, knowing when it’s time for professional help or even better – Buddy taping just right-, wearing good footwear/supportive shoes,carefully exercising (not going hyped) the wittlest fellow/fellette in our body, following medical advice/treatment plan; one can ensure speedy/ completish recovery ! Good luck , cuz who needs complete perfection anyway?


  1. Of course if something starts hurting significantly more than before then go ahead stop that torture we dont assume responsibility

  2. The above statement is based on professional experience and/or logical thinking, not having been correctly tested. After all – we’re living in the era where top fashion houses frequently bring back uggs/crocs to the runway/ byways 

  3. Be careful with hands (might grab strangers toes!). Also reduce upper body weight training. 

  4. Are there any other parts of human anatomy that break off when damaged and then regrow? Please email at : [Email] for scientific inquiry. 

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