What is the treatment for a non-displaced fracture of the third toe?

From the Guidelines

The treatment for a non-displaced fracture of the third toe should involve simple immobilization, as this approach is appropriate for small, nonarticular, or minimally displaced fracture fragments. This recommendation is based on the guidance from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, as reported in a study published in the American Family Physician 1. The management of such fractures typically does not require surgical intervention, given the small size of the toe bones and their tendency to heal well without complications when the fracture is non-displaced.

To manage the fracture effectively, several steps can be taken:

• Rest the toe to avoid further injury and allow the healing process to begin.
• Apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times daily for the first 48-72 hours to reduce swelling.
• Elevate the foot when possible to minimize swelling.
• Use over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500-1000mg every 6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 400-600mg every 6-8 hours to manage pain and inflammation.
• Employ buddy taping, where the injured toe is taped to an adjacent healthy toe using medical tape with gauze between the toes to prevent skin irritation, for 3-4 weeks to provide stability.
• Wear wide, comfortable shoes with a rigid sole to minimize movement and pressure on the toe.

It's essential to monitor the healing progress and seek medical attention if pain worsens significantly, if there's numbness or color changes in the toe, or if symptoms don't improve after 1-2 weeks. Generally, walking is permitted as tolerated, with a gradual increase in activity as pain subsides. Most non-displaced toe fractures heal within 4-6 weeks without complications, making conservative management a preferred and effective approach, as supported by the principles outlined in the study 1.

From the Research

Treatment for Non-Displaced Fracture of the Third Toe

• The treatment for a non-displaced fracture of the third toe typically involves conservative management, as stated in the study 2.
• According to the study 2, stable, non-displaced toe fractures should be treated with buddy taping and a rigid-sole shoe to limit joint movement.
• Buddy taping is a common method used to treat non-displaced fractures, as it allows for mobility while providing support to the affected toe, as seen in studies 3, 4, and 5.
• The use of buddy taping has been shown to be effective in promoting functional recovery and reducing pain, as reported in the studies 3 and 6.
• A rigid-sole shoe can also help to reduce stress on the fractured toe and promote healing, as mentioned in the study 2.

Comparison with Other Treatments

• Studies have compared buddy taping with other treatments, such as splint immobilization and plaster casting, and found that buddy taping can be just as effective, if not more so, in certain cases, as reported in the studies 4 and 5.
• The study 6 found that buddy taping was effective for improving pain, range of motion, and strength in patients with non-displaced fractures.
• However, it is essential to note that the treatment approach may vary depending on the individual case and the severity of the fracture, as stated in the study 2.

Key Considerations

• The treatment approach should be individualized based on the patient's specific needs and the severity of the fracture, as mentioned in the study 4.
• Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare professional are crucial to monitor the healing progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed, although not explicitly stated in the provided studies.