Phalanx Fracture

First 6 Weeks After Injury

Appointment: 

  • I usually see my fracture consultations within 7 days of receiving the consultation.

Pain: 

  • For the first 24-48 hours you may require the occasional Tylenol and/or Advil.

  • After the first 48 hours you most likely will not require any pain medications.

  • I recommend starting Vitamin C, 500mg twice daily. This helps with pain. A prescription will be given to you at your consultation.

  • I recommend taking Vitamin D, 2000mg per day. This may help with pain and bone healing. A prescription will be given to you at your consultation.

Devices: 

  • For first toe fractures, I usually recommend either a special sandal or a short walking boot. This is your choice. The sandal is more comfortable and less bulky. The boot is the most protective but also the most bulky. With significant fractures I recommend a short walking boot.

  • For 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th toe fractures, you may choose either your regular shoe, a special sandal or a short walking boot. A walking boot is likely overkill in this scenario but does provide the most protection.

  • In some cases, I recommend buddy taping (taping together the injured toe and the toe beside). This does not work with first toe fractures. We will discuss this at your appointment. 

Weight Bearing:

  • You may fully weight bear immediately.

  • You may need crutches to help. A knee walker is probably the best way to get around the first couple weeks.

Activity:

  • There are no true limitations in activity. However, I would avoid any strenuous exercise as significant swelling may occur which will be painful and slow your overall recovery.

Therapy:

  • I recommend starting some range of motion exercises of the toes. The easiest exercise is simply placing a towel on the floor and scrunching the towel with your toes. This will certainly be sore but this will avoid stiffness and will help with pain and swelling.

  • A prescription will be given to you at your consultation. Some patients develop pain and weakness in the foot and ankle after this injury. However, this is rarely required.

6+ Weeks After Injury

Appointment: 

  • For most simple toe fractures, there is no follow up after the initial consultation. The reason for this is that these fractures almost always heal. A follow-up appointment would not be a good use of your time. If you prefer to see me as a precaution that is no problem. In those cases, I will assess your fracture with X-rays at the 6-week mark post injury.

Devices: 

  • Sandal/Boot: If you wore a sandal or boot, you may start using your regular shoe. You may still have some swelling so you may need a large size shoe, or one that is more flexible.  

  • Compression socks: Compression socks are used after injury in order to decrease swelling. Medical grade compression recommended – 20-30mmHg pressure. Starts between 6-12 weeks post-operatively. This is optional. This is included on prescription provided at your consultation.

Activity: 

  • You may slowly return to your regular daily activities with no limitations

  • Keep in mind, with any toe fracture, it may take 6-12 weeks before getting back to all activities and sports

  • Toe fractures can be painful and take many months to fully heal. In fact, some patients experience mild symptoms for up to 6-12 months.

Therapy: 

  • A prescription will be given to you at your consultation. Some patients develop pain and weakness in the foot and ankle after this injury. However, this is rarely required.