How to Hike With A Broken Toe?

A fracture of the smallest toe is known as a fractured pinky toe. The term “broken toe” typically refers to a traumatic fracture caused by a direct blow or contact to the toe, such as stubbing it or falling something on it.

The pinky toe is one of the most often fractured toes, with the fracture generally occurring at the base.

Symptoms of a broken pinky toe

The following are the most prevalent signs and symptoms of a fractured pinky toe:

• At the time of the break, there were cracking, grinding, or popping sounds.
• At the time the fracture develops, there is discomfort at the impact site.
• The appearance of a twisted toe
• Bruising, swelling, and redness
• Discomfort that occurs during or after typical activities
• Pain that goes away when you’re resting but comes back when you’re up to or doing anything active
• Touching it hurts
• There is some swelling but no bruising.

If a person has an open wound, they should get medical help right once to avoid infection.

Can I go hiking with a broken toe?

Although it may be feasible to move and walk on your fractured toe, you should avoid doing so since it might cause further injury and delay recovery.

Will hiking on a broken toe make it worse?

It will take longer for that toe to heal if you walk on it. Another issue is that your gait will be altered as a result of the toe (the way you walk). You are now more likely to hurt other places as a result of modifying your stride. Other joints in your legs may be strained as a result of this.

If you go on a trek, for example, you may acquire a blister. And if you keep going, your ankle will start to suffer, followed by shin splints, and finally knee discomfort.

One factor that causes you to walk in such a way that your hips, knees, and ankle are out of alignment is that it puts stress on other areas of your leg.

How to hike with a broken toe

It isn’t much you can do to help them. You’ll be alright if you wear a hard-soled shoe (excellent boots) and thick socks (to avoid the rare bump). The less flexing of your shoe under your toes, the better.

Simply try on your shoes/socks to ensure that they are comfortable. You may go on lengthy walks with broken toes and not even realise it unless you’re putting on or taking off your boots.

Taping the toe to the one next to it might sometimes assist maintain the toe shape from migrating too much (especially if it is a little toe). The majority of the time, this isn’t required.

Anti-inflammatories are also essential. (Motrin/Ibuprofen). Take these as instructed on a regular basis. (If you aren’t allergic)

Should you hike if you have a broken toe?

No, you should not hike if you have a broken toe. You should

Rest: This refers to avoiding placing too much weight on your toes or standing for too long.

Ice: ice is no longer useful after 72 hours. For the first several days, apply an ice pack to the toe for 15-20 minutes every one to two hours.

Elevation entails sitting or resting with your foot raised as high as possible. It’s effective for as long as the toe remains swollen, but especially during the first 24 hours.

Wrap a broken toe with gauze, cotton wool, or tissue between the toe and the one next to it for the smaller four toes. Tape them together after that.

Buddy taping or buddy strapping are two terms for the same thing. The toe that isn’t wounded serves as a splint. Check to see whether the tape is too tight. After cleaning your damaged foot, make sure to remove it and replace it with new tape and padding.

Ryan Anderson

Hey, I am the founder of Outside Origin! I love hiking in my spare time and have gone to various different hikes. You can check out our about us section to learn more about what our team and I do over at Outside Origin.