From the Research
The treatment for a nondisplaced fracture of the distal phalanx of the right great toe typically involves conservative management. This approach is based on the fact that the distal phalanx has a good blood supply, and nondisplaced fractures generally heal well without surgical intervention 1, 2. The mainstays of treatment include:
- Rest, ice, elevation, and protection
- Wearing a rigid-soled shoe or a walking boot for 3-4 weeks to limit movement and protect the toe during healing
- Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours, not exceeding 4000mg daily) or ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours with food) to manage pain and reduce inflammation
- Buddy taping the injured toe to an adjacent toe provides additional stability; this involves placing gauze between the toes and securing them together with medical tape, which should be changed daily Weight-bearing is typically allowed as tolerated, but activities that cause pain should be avoided. Most nondisplaced distal phalanx fractures heal within 4-6 weeks, and follow-up with a healthcare provider is recommended if pain persists beyond 6 weeks or if symptoms worsen 1. It's worth noting that while some studies discuss surgical interventions for certain types of toe fractures, such as open physeal fractures of the distal phalanx of the hallux 3, 4, these are not typically indicated for nondisplaced fractures. The most recent and highest quality study relevant to this question is from 2021, but it focuses on a specific type of fracture (open physeal fractures of the distal phalanx of the hallux) and does not change the general approach to treating nondisplaced fractures of the distal phalanx of the right great toe 3. Therefore, conservative management remains the recommended treatment approach for nondisplaced fractures of the distal phalanx of the right great toe.