What to Know About a Broken Pinky Toe

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A broken pinky toe can cause significant pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Rest and toe support can aid recovery and protect against complications.

Some broken toes can be easily treated at home. However, severe symptoms may require a checkup to monitor healing or prevent complications.

This article reviews the symptoms, causes, and treatment of broken pinky toes.

Symptoms

You may have noticed broken toe symptoms when injured, such as pain or a grinding or snapping noise. Other symptoms of a broken pinky toe can include:

• continued pain
• skin discoloration or redness
• bruising
• swelling
• the toe appears crooked or different from its usual shape
• pain or difficulty when moving the toe or placing weight on it

Some people suggest that being able to walk means your toe may not be broken. However, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons notes that this is a myth.

When to See a Doctor

Contact your doctor if you have any broken toe symptoms, including if:

• symptoms of pain and swelling haven’t started to improve within 2–3 days of the injury
  you continue to have symptoms weeks after the injury, such as pain when walking or difficulty moving the toe
• you have an open wound, or the injury broke the skin
• you have diabetes and toe symptoms
• you have questions about your symptoms

Some cases of broken toes require immediate care. Visit your local urgent care or call 911 if:

• your toe is misshapen or is at an unusual angle
• you can see bone
• you feel tingling or numbness in your toe or foot
• you heard a snap, grinding, or pop when the injury occurred
• you believe your big or first toe may be broken

Can a broken pinky toe heal on its own?

While some mild toe breaks or injuries may heal on their own with at-home care, it’s best to contact a doctor if you suspect a break. Untreated breaks can lead to complications, such as chronic pain or impaired healing.

Doctors can assess the severity of the injury and provide treatment.

Possible Causes

Broken pinky toes are often caused by a direct blow or injury, such as:

• dropping something on the toe
• accidentally stubbing your toe
• kicking something hard

Also, other conditions may cause the same symptoms as a broken toe, such as the following:

Sprains

A sprain is when the ligaments, which connect the bones, become torn or stretched. A pinky toe sprain may occur if the toe is hit or twisted or you fall over.

Symptoms can be similar to a broken pinky toe and may include:

• pain
• swelling or bruising
• difficulty moving the toe a tearing or popping sound when you became injured

Treatment

Treatment for a sprain can include:

• resting the toe
• applying a cool compress
• wearing a bandage or splint
• anti-inflammatory or pain relief medication

Fractures

A toe fracture is when a toe bone cracks rather than breaks. Sometimes, a fracture can be displaced, in which pieces of broken bone may have separated.

Fractures may develop from one direct injury or repetitive activity, known as a stress fracture. Fractured toe symptoms can include pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.

Treatment

Treatment for a fractured toe can include:

• resting the toe
• wearing a bandage, cast, or walking boot
• pain relief medication

Dislocation

Dislocation is when the bones come out of position in the joint. It can occur due to a direct injury or fall. Symptoms of dislocated pinky toe include:

• swelling
• pain
• a visible change in the shape of the joint or toe
• difficulty moving the toe or walking

Treatment

Treatment for dislocated bones can include:

• resting the toe
• strapping the toe to the next toe for support
• wearing a splint or bandage
• pain medication

Differences in toe structure

Hammer toe, claw toe, and mallet toe occur when the toes can become bent out of their typical shape. They can be caused by:

• muscle and pressure imbalances
• wearing improperly fitting shoes or shoes that apply pressure
• nerve damage

Also, some people may be born with an overlapping toe, whereby the pinky toe rests over the fourth toe.

Because these conditions can change the shape of the toe and cause soreness or difficulty walking, they can resemble a broken toe.

Treatment

Treatment toe structural differences can include:

• wearing sturdy, properly-fitting shoes
• conducting exercises to strengthen the toe and feet muscles
• over-the-counter (OTC) straps, splints, cushions, or corn pads
• surgery