Tip of finger/toe Fracture

This leaflet has been developed to supplement the verbal information given by the Nurse Practitioner or Doctor. 

• You have broken a small bone at the end of the Finger/Toe. 

• This causes the Finger/Toe to feel swollen, tight and will cause difficulty moving the joint. 

• Supportive strapping may be of benefit and if suitable will be applied to the injured part. If it has been applied you should wear it at all times for the next 2-3 weeks. 

• Extra strapping will be provided and the nursing staff/nurse practitioner will provided instruction on how to change it safely. 

• It is important to keep your strapping dry to avoid skin irritation. If strapping gets wet it should be changed as soon as possible. 

• If there is bruising under the nail associated with the broken bone, this may cause the nail to fall off but a new nail will start to grow back after a few weeks. 

• If there is a small cut or wound associated with the injury a clinical assessment will be made to see if a course of antibiotics will benefit your 

• care. If antibiotics have been 

• prescribed it is important you complete the course, 

PAIN RELIEF and COMFORT 

• You can take pain relief such as Paracetamol & Ibuprofen. Your local chemist can also advise. 

• For toe injuries it could be beneficial to wear wide fitting shoes without a heel or open toe foot ware to provide space for expected swelling. 

AFTERCARE 

• Most injuries heal without any problems; however it may take several weeks to regain full function. 

• Remove the strapping after 2-3 weeks. It is important at this stage to keep gently moving your finger/toe and gradually resume daily activities as comfort allows. This will help improve any stiffness. 

• You may be left with slight swelling and stiffness of the joint, if this arises it is unfortunately a permanent feature but will not affect the use of the joint. 

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL 

When can I return to work? 

• This depends on the type of work you do, the extent of injury and if there are any cuts. The treating professional will advise accordingly. 

• Absences less than 1 week are covered by self-certification; details for this should be obtained from your line manager. 

• If it is anticipated more time is needed the treating professional will issue a sickness certificate. 

WORRIES OR CONCERNS 

If the following should occur please contact your GP during working hours or out with working hours please contact NHS 24 on 111:- 

• Struggling to get any movement back 

• The pain gets worse. 

• Symptoms lasts for more than 3 week 

• You are concerned about your injury