What Is a Toe Splint?

A toe splint is a device used to prevent movement in a toe following a break or other injury that causes pain when the toe is flexed or walked on. Many people make their own toe splints following an injury, particularly if the injury occurs in the little toe, or they are waiting to go see a doctor. More complex toe splints may be applied following surgery or a more significant injury, and these will often wrap around the whole foot with a metal brace that completely immobilizes a certain toe. These must generally be obtained from a physician, but in some cases they may be ordered online.

There are some things to keep in mind when fashioning a toe splint. For many people, simply taping the toe to the one next to it is sufficient to prevent it from moving and allow it to heal. It is very important to put gauze in between the two toes, however, to make sure the skin does not start to rub and become irritated. Other people will tape a wooden stick to the bottom or sides of the injured toe to prevent it from moving. In both of these cases, it is also very important to check circulation and make sure that the toe has not been taped so tight that the blood cannot flow, which will cause much worse damage than a simple break.

In many cases, making a simple toe splint at home and being careful with the toe for a few days is sufficient to heal the injury. If the pain does not improve, however, or the toe is swollen or hot to the touch, it may be necessary to visit a doctor for an exam. This can help ensure that surgery or antibiotics won't be required. A doctor may also be able to provide a more complex toe splint to keep the toe immobile.

A physician-issued toe splint will generally have a band that wraps around the top and bottom of the foot, and a padded metal splint that covers the toe on two or three sides. For severe breaks in larger toes -- such as compound fractures in which the bone comes through the skin, or if surgery is required, it might be necessary to wear a toe splint like this for a longer period of time. It is important to wear the splint as directed to be sure that the toe does not heal crooked, which could cause future pain and mobility issues.