Article: You should see a doctor right away if your toe is numb for a prolonged period of time or tingles continuously. You should also see a doctor if the bone appears to be broken at an angle and there is an open wound on your toe or any bleeding. You should also seek medical care if your toe does not heal properly within one to two weeks and is still very swollen and painful. Your doctor will likely request an X-ray of your broken toe to confirm the break. She may then numb your toe with a local anaesthetic and realign the bone through the skin. If there is any blood trapped under the toenail of the broken toe, your doctor may drain the blood by making a small hole in your nail or by removing the nail. Depending on the severity of the break, you may require surgery on the toe. Special pins or screws will be inserted into the broken bone to keep it in place while it heals. You may also need to support the toe in a cast. You may be given crutches so you can walk without putting any weight on the toe and to allow it to heal properly. If bone has pierced through the skin (this is known as an open fracture), there is a serious risk of infection. You will need to clean the wound regularly and you may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection. If your vaccinations are not up to date, your doctor may give you a tetanus shot to further prevent infection.
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See your doctor if the break appears severe and is very painful. Let your doctor exam in your toe. Discuss surgery on the toe if the break is severe. Get antibiotics, if necessary.