Discharge Advice Following a Toe Fracture (break)

• A broken toe is a common injury which usually heals well within six weeks.
• This is treated with buddy-strapping (see picture) and/or a hard-soled shoe.
• Rest and elevate the foot when possible for at least 72 hours.
• If buddy-strapping has been applied, this should be kept on for three weeks.
• You may return to your own supportive footwear as soon as is comfortable.
• Avoid any impact such as football or running for six weeks.
• Avoid driving until you have returned to your own footwear and can safely perform an emergency stop.
• It is normal for the toe to be tender for up to three months.

If the pain worsens, your toe appears deformed, or you have any other concerns, please contact us on the details below.

Contact numbers

We hope that you have found this information useful. If you have any questions or are worried about anything, please speak to the following Dorset County Hospital staff:

Virtual Fracture Clinic: 01305 253305, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
VFCTriage@dchft.nhs.uk

About this leaflet

Author: Lauren Eve
Written: December 2024
Approved: February 2025
Review date: February 2028
Edition: 1

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk