Broken Pinky Toe: Symptoms, Treatment, And Other Conditions

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhat to know about a broken smallest toe

Medically reviewed by Timothy Gossett, M.D. — Written by Hana Ames — Updated on January 25, 2024

Symptoms
Other pain and swelling
Seeing a doctor
Diagnosis
Treatment
Management
Pinky toe function
Summary

A person can break their pinky, or smallest, toe in a trauma, such as stubbing the toe or dropping something on it. The toe may be crooked, swollen, painful, and bruised.

The pinky toe is a commonly broken toe, and the fracture usually occurs at its base.

This article looks at the symptoms of a broken small toe, along with some other problems that can cause pain and swelling in the area. It also examines the treatment and management options for this injury.

Symptoms of a broken pinky toe

A close-up of a broken pinky toe on the left foot. — Swelling is a common symptom of a broken pinky toe.

The most common symptoms of a broken pinky toe include:

a snapping, grinding, or popping noise at the time of the break
pain at the place of impact at the time the fracture occurs
the toe appearing to be crooked
bruising and swelling

If there is an open wound, a person should seek immediate medical attention to prevent infection.

Other causes of pain and swelling

Other than a broken pinky toe, there are many reasons a person might have pain or swelling in their smallest toe.

People can treat most of these causes at home. However, if home remedies do not seem to be working, it is important to see a doctor, as the issue could turn out to be something more serious.

The following sections outline some other causes of pain and swelling in the pinky toe in more detail.

Stress fracture

A stress fracture, or a hairline fracture, is a small crack or severe bruising within a bone.

It is slightly different from a traumatic fracture, as it usually occurs due to overuse and repetitive activity.

Symptoms

pain during or after performing normal activities
pain that goes away when resting but returns when standing or during activity
painful to the touch
swelling but no bruising

Treatment

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the most important treatment for a stress fracture is rest.

Advising that it takes up to 8 weeks for most fractures to heal, the AAOS warn against resuming the activity that caused the stress fracture to occur too quickly. They warn that this could lead to long-term problems.

As well as resting, using shoe inserts or braces can help stress fractures heal.

Learn more about stress fractures here.

Sprains

A sprain occurs when there is damage to a ligament. Ligaments are the bands of tough, elastic connective tissue that connect the bones in the toes to each other.

Symptoms

pain
swelling
difficulty walking
tender to the touch

The AAOS categorize sprains into three grades:

Grade I: This is characterized by overstretched ligaments, a minimal loss of function, and mild pain.
Grade II: This is characterized by a partially torn ligament, moderate pain, and difficulty putting weight on the toe.
Grade III: This is characterized by a complete tear of the ligament, severe pain, a total loss of function, and an inability to bear weight.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the sprain but could include:

resting the toe
icing the toe
wearing a compression sock
using crutches to aid walking
taking pain relief medication
using a walking boot, which is a stiff boot that protects the toe as it heals

Learn about the difference between a sprain and a strain here.

Dislocation

A dislocation is a complete separation of the bones in a joint. The bones then move out of their normal position.

Symptoms

severe pain
deformity or displacement of the toe
swelling and bruising
numbness or tingling
difficulty moving the toe

Treatment

“buddy” taping it to an adjacent toe
using a splint
wearing a cast
trying a walking boot

Bunion

A bunion is a painful, bony bump on the toe joint.

A bunion on the pinky toe is called a tailor’s bunion. Historically, this name comes from the tailors who sat cross-legged all day, with the outside edge of their feet rubbing on hard surfaces.

Symptoms

a visible bump on the outside of the pinky toe
pain and tenderness at the site of the bump
redness and inflammation
a callus or corn on the bump

Treatment

making shoe modifications, such as wearing wider-fitting footwear
using bunionette pads
taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen

In some cases, corticosteroid injections can help treat the inflamed tissue around the joint. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases.

Learn more about tailor’s bunions here.

Corns

Corns are hard, thickened areas of skin that form as a result of friction or pressure. Corns are the foot’s natural defense to help protect the skin underneath them. They are a response to bone pressure against the skin.

Corns may develop on the tops and sides of the toes and on the balls of the feet.

Symptoms

a hardened patch of skin
open sores between the toes
pain when wearing shoes

Treatment

shaving the corn, but only when a health professional carries it out
soaking the feet and using a pumice stone on the corn
wearing a donut shaped foam pad over the corn to reduce the pressure

Learn more about corn remedies here.

When to see a doctor

It is best to visit a doctor as soon as someone suspects that there is something wrong. This is particularly important if a person hears a snapping, grinding, or popping noise at the time of the break.

If a person leaves a broken toe untreated, it can get worse and cause lasting problems.

Diagnosing a broken pinky toe

The doctor will examine the foot, gently pressing on different areas to find out where there is pain.

They will also order X-rays. Additional imaging studies may be necessary if the initial X-ray does not show anything.

Treatment

It is a myth that nothing can mend broken toes. In fact, leaving them without treatment can lead to future complications.

Healing of a broken toe may take 6–8 weeks.

A person may need to have their broken toe buddy taped to an adjacent one. Wearing a stiff-soled shoe can also help, as can using crutches to help keep weight off of the toe while it heals.

Rarely, a person may need to wear a cast to keep the foot immobile.

Surgery may be necessary if there are multiple breaks or if nonsurgical treatment does not work.

Also, if a fracture leads to large amounts of blood underneath the nail, a person may need to take antibiotics and undergo nail removal.

Managing symptoms

Taking NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can help decrease swelling and pain.

At home, people can use the RICE method to try to reduce swelling and allow the pinky toe to heal.

RICE

Rest: Give the toe time to heal.
Ice: Ice the toe for up to 20 minutes four times per day.
Compression: Using an elastic bandage or brace can provide support and reduce swelling.
Elevate: Elevating the foot above the heart can also help reduce swelling.

Learn more about the RICE method here.

What is the pinky toe for?

The pinky toe works with the rest of the toes to keep a person balanced. A person’s foot works in a tripod fashion to keep them balanced, with the little toe being one part, the big toe another, and the heel the third.

Sustaining damage to any part of this tripod can affect a person’s range of motion.

Learn more about the bones of the feet here.

Summary

It might be small, but the pinky toe plays a vital role in keeping a person balanced. Therefore, any damage to it can cause issues.

It is important to seek medical attention if a person suspects a broken toe, as it can get worse without treatment.

A person can treat milder problems at home, by changing their footwear, taking NSAIDs, and resting. A medical team can treat more serious issues.

Bones / Orthopedics
Sports Medicine / Fitness

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Broken foot or toes (forefoot & toe fractures). (n.d.).https://www.footcaremd.org/conditions-treatments/toes/broken-foot-toes
Bunions. (2016).https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/bunions/
Corns. (2012).https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/corns/
Corns. (n.d.).https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/corns
Fishco, W. D. (2015). Chapter 3: It's just a fifth toe.http://www.podiatryinstitute.com/pdfs/Update_2015/2015_03.pdf
Foot pain and problems. (n.d.).https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=85&ContentID=P00914
Fractures of the fifth metatarsal. (n.d.).https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/fractures-of-the-fifth-metatarsal
How to treat corns and calluses. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-corns-calluses
Sports injuries. (2016).https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sports-injuries
Sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries. (2015).https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/
Stress fractures. (2007).https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/stress-fractures/
Stress fractures of the foot and ankle. (2015).https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/stress-fractures-of-the-foot-and-ankle/
Tailor's bunion (bunionette). (n.d.).https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/tailor-s-bunion-(bunionette)
Toe and forefoot fractures. (2016).https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/toe-and-forefoot-fractures
Toe and metatarsal fractures (broken toes). (n.d.).https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/toe-and-metatarsal-fractures-(broken-toes)

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Medically reviewed by Timothy Gossett, M.D. — Written by Hana Ames — Updated on January 25, 2024

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Symptoms of a broken pinky toe

Other causes of pain and swelling

Stress fracture

Symptoms

Treatment

Sprains

Symptoms

Treatment

Dislocation

Symptoms

Treatment

Bunion

Symptoms

Treatment

Corns

Symptoms

Treatment

When to see a doctor

Diagnosing a broken pinky toe

Treatment

Managing symptoms

RICE

What is the pinky toe for?

Summary

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