How long does it take for the swelling to go down after breaking a toe?
Most broken toes will heal on their own with proper care at home. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for complete healing. Most pain and swelling will go away within a few days to a week.
How do you know if a broken toe is not healing?
Symptoms of a fracture that is not healing normally include tenderness, swelling, and an aching pain that may be felt deep within the affected bone. Often, the bone isn’t strong enough to bear weight, and you may not be able to use the affected body part until the bone heals.
Can I walk on a broken toe after 4 weeks?
Your broken toe may need to be buddy-taped for 2 to 4 weeks to heal. Rest and protect your toe. Do not walk on it until you can do so without too much pain. If the doctor has told you to use crutches, use them as instructed.
Can a broken toe take longer than 6 weeks to heal?
Broken toes usually heal within 4 to 6 weeks, but it can sometimes take several months.
How long should swelling last after an injury?
Phase 2: Inflammation (swelling) Inflammation starts within the first hour or two after injury, peaks within 1-3 days but lasts at least a couple of weeks. This phase is when you will experience swelling and some heat around your injury. This is entirely normal and a natural part of your body’s tissue healing process.
What happens if a broken toe healed wrong?
When a broken toe isn’t stabilized, the bone can heal incorrectly, which can lead to limited mobility in that toe. In addition, your shoes may not fit comfortably, and your pattern of walking or gait may be altered. This can lead to other complications unrelated to the broken toe, such as ankle, knee and back problems.
How do you reduce swelling on a broken toe?
Apply ice up to 20 minutes at a time. Wrap it in a towel; do not apply directly to skin. Keep the foot elevated as often as possible, especially the first 2 days after injury, to help control pain and swelling. For pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
How can I make my broken toe heal faster?
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE): The RICE method is useful for many types of injuries, including broken toes. It can decrease pain and help the toe heal faster.
How long should I stay off a broken toe?
Broken big toe: 2-3 weeks in a walking boot or cast, then. 3-4 weeks in a stiff-soled shoe. Return to work and sport in 6-8 weeks is usual.
Can swelling be permanent?
Depending on the cause of your diagnosis, edema could be temporary or permanent. Swelling normally lasts for a few days. In the first two days, you will experience the most swelling, and it should start to reduce by the third day.
How do you tell if broken toe is infected?
Symptoms. An infection after fracture will usually cause increased pain, warmth, redness, and swelling around the affected area—more than what is considered normal. In addition, a pus pocket may form and, if it bursts, pus will drain from the injury. You may also have a fever, chills, and night sweats.
When can I start walking on a broken toe?
You’ll have much less pain after four weeks and should be walking normally again after eight weeks, Dr. King says. At 12 weeks, your broken toe should be fully healed. You can get back to regularly exercising, including running and jumping.
Can a broken toe look normal?
Broken Toe Symptoms The toe may not look normal, and it may even look bent or deformed if the broken bone is out of place. It may be difficult to walk because of the pain, especially if the big toe is fractured. Shoes may be painful to wear or feel too tight.
How long should you stay off of a broken toe?
How long does a broken toe take to heal?
- 2-3 weeks in a walking boot or cast, then.
- 3-4 weeks in a stiff-soled shoe.
- Return to work and sport in 6-8 weeks is usual.
Should I take time off work for broken toe?
Can swelling last for months?
After you suffer an injury, swelling usually worsens over the first two to four days. It can then last for as long as three months as the body attempts to heal itself. If the swelling lasts longer than this, your physical therapist or doctor may need to take a closer look to determine the cause of the delayed healing.
How long does a broken foot stay swollen?
Why is my swelling not going down?
If your swelling is chronic, or lasts longer than 2-3 weeks, you should see your doctor. Your doctor will be able to recommend medication, exercise or therapy to resolve the swelling. Remember, swelling is the body’s reaction to an injury; if the swelling is still present, so is the injury.