Broken toe

You may have broken your toe if it's: bruised or red – this may be harder to see on brown and black skin painful and swollen difficult to walk on Information: Do not worry if you're not sure if it's broken or just bruised, treatment is usually the same for both.

Doctors will usually suggest you treat a broken toe at home first if: it's not your big toe the bone is not sticking out of your foot your toe is not pointing at an odd angle there's no wound on your toe Broken toes usually heal within 4 to 6 weeks, but it can sometimes take several months. There are some things you can do yourself to help with a broken toe. Do take ibuprofen or paracetamol for the pain and swelling rest your foot and keep it raised while it's swollen hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on your toe for up to 20 minutes every few hours for the first few days after you injured your toe wear wide, comfortable flat shoes with stiff soles strap up your broken toe for 2 to 3 weeks – put a small piece of cotton wool or gauze between your sore toe and the toe next to it, then tape them together to support the sore toe Don't do not strap up your toe if it's pointing out at an odd angle or you have hurt your big toe – get medical advice do not put ice directly on your skin do not walk or stand for long periods for the few first days after you injured your toe – it may help to walk with a support or crutches for a few weeks do not wear tight, pointy shoes do not play any sports like football, rugby or hockey for 6 weeks or until the pain eases do not try to treat your child's toe – take them to an urgent treatment centre or A&E A pharmacist can help with a broken toe You can ask a pharmacist about: the best painkiller to take what you need to strap up your toe if you need to see a GP Find a pharmacy