Three Ways A Podiatrist Will Care For Your Broken Toe

If you believe that you've broken a toe, you don't need to sit idly and wait for the pain to subside. While some people in your life might tell you the common myth that there's nothing to do for a broken toe, this certainly isn't true. Find a local podiatry clinic, schedule an appointment, and visit to take the first steps in dealing with this injury. The podiatrist will assess the severity of the break and suggest one or more care options. Here are three common ways that this foot care specialist can care for your broken toe.

Custom Splint

A splint is a useful medical device for keeping a broken bone immobile while also offering a level of protection from additional impacts that may slow down the healing process. If you have a broken toe, you can expect your podiatrist to customize a splint that will properly fit the toe. Toe splits can vary in design, but they often feature a combination of plastic and foam. The podiatrist will secure the split to the toe with tape and show you how to repeat this process for times that you need to remove the split.

Pain Medication

The pain that people experience as a result of a broken toe can vary. If you have to be on your feet after the injury — perhaps because you aren't able to take time off work — the pressure on the break can be particularly painful. If you're struggling to manage the pain, it's likely that your podiatrist will recommend that you take some pain medication. Even an over-the-counter pain medication can help to reduce the symptoms of your pain, especially during times when you're having to stand or walk.

Lifestyle Suggestions

It's also common for a podiatrist to offer you some lifestyle suggestions that you can implement in the days after your appointment to help manage your broken toe. These suggestions can vary. For example, the podiatrist might talk to you about certain types of shoes to avoid as the injury heals, as well as other types of shoes that can be suitable to wear. They'll often recommend avoiding open-toed shoes, given the risk of hitting the toe, and advocate enclosed shoes that are on the spacious side. They may also talk to you about elevating your foot at the end of the day as a way to relieve some pain.

Contact a podiatrist for more information.