Michelangelolaan 2
5623 EJ Eindhoven

040 - 239 91 11

Broken toe (Folder)

You have a fracture of your toe (phalanx fracture). This injury is treated with a tape, called a buddy tape.

Summary

• You have a fracture of your toe.
• This type of injury almost always heals well without any loss of function.
• A routine follow-up is not necessary for this type of injury.
• You can remove the buddy tape after 1-2 weeks as soon as the pain allows. Wear a sturdy shoe for 2 weeks.
• To prevent the toe from getting stiff, it is important that you start moving the toe again as soon as possible.
• You can find instructions on how to reapply the buddy tape in the app in the App store (iPhone) or Google Store (Android). See QR-code for more information online.
• If you have any questions, or are experiencing problems with your recovery, you can call the “breuklijn” (fracture hotline) (+31) 040 239 96 40 on workdays between 9.00 and 12.00.

Treatment

A fracture of the toe is a common injury. The fracture is treated with a buddy tape. A buddy tape attaches the injured toe to the toe next to it, immobilizing the injured toe.

Instructions

Follow these instructions for a good recovery;

• Wear the buddy tape for 1-2 weeks. If necessary, you can replace the buddy tape. You can buy new tape at the pharmacy or use the tape that you received at the Emergency Department. In the app you can find instructions on how to reapply the buddy tape.
• You can stand on your foot if your pain allows you to do so. If necessary, you can rent crutches at the hospital.
• Elevate your foot when you are resting to reduce the swelling and pain. This can be done by putting your foot on a chair.
• To prevent the toe from getting stiff, it is important that you start moving the toe again as soon as possible.
• We advise you not to practise sports the first three weeks. After three weeks you can start sports again, if the pain allows you to do this.
• Are you in pain? Use a mild pain killer such as paracetamol (acetaminophen). Do not wait with the use of paracetamol until the pain is too much.

Recovery

• This type of injury almost always heals well with time and use – no specific treatment is required and routine follow-up is not necessary.
• It can take up to 6-8 weeks before the toe is fully recovered.
• Does the pain increase, or does it not improve after 4 weeks? Please contact the “Breuklijn” (fracture hotline, see below).

Reapply buddy tape

If you want to reapply the buddy tape, you can watch the instructional video in the app. You can buy new materials at the pharmacy or reapply the tape from the Emergency Department.

Exercises

It is important to move your toe as much as possible. No specific exercises are necessary.

Questions? Please call us!

If there are any questions after reading the information, please contact the Breuklijn at 040 239 96 40 between 09.00 and 12.00.

In case of an emergency or problems that cannot wait until the next weekday, please contact our emergency department at 040 – 239 96 00

Contact

Catharina Ziekenhuis Eindhoven
040 – 239 91 11
www.catharinaziekenhuis.nl

Breuklijn (Fracture hotline)
(+31) 040 239 96 40 (on workdays 9.00 – 12.00h)

Route numbers and other information about our emergengy department can be found at: www.catharinaziekenhuis.nl/spoedeisende-hulp

App Virtual Fracture Care

In our app you can find more information about your injury. You can also find exercises here to improve your recovery. You can find the app in the Appstore (iPhone) and in the Google Store (Android).

You can also scan the QR-code. You will then automatically be directed to the app.