A broken toe is usually treated with buddy taping, which uses tape and padding to support the broken toe. Supporting the toe will help keep your child comfortable while the bone heals. In kids, a broken toe usually heals in about 3–4 weeks.

• If the broken toe was buddy-taped to another toe, follow the health care provider's directions about how to change the tape and how long to keep it taped. Remember to put something soft between the toes like cotton, felt, or foam padding to prevent the toes from rubbing.
• If the health care provider recommends it, have your child wear a cast boot or stiff-soled shoe until the fracture is healed. For more comfort, it may help to cut away the part of the shoe over the injured toe.
• Your child should avoid sports and activities that might cause pain or reinjure the toe for 3–4 weeks unless a health care provider says it's OK.
• Elevate the injured toe above heart level by propping it up on a pillow as much as possible for the first few days.
• Place ice or cold compresses wrapped in a towel over the injured toe to help ease pain and swelling. (Do not place ice directly on the skin.)
• For pain and swelling, if your health care provider says it's OK, you can give medicines such as acetaminophen (such as Tylenol^® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (such as Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often.

Your child:

• has pain that isn't better after taking pain medicine
• develops a fever, chills, or redness of the toe

Your child:

• has severe pain
• complains of numbness or tingling in the injured toe
• has a pale or blue toe