Wash your hands
Clean and dry the toe
Check for an open wound or severe deformity
If the toe is visibly crooked, do not wrap it tightly
Place a small piece of gauze or cotton between the broken toe and the neighboring toe
Align the broken toe gently with the adjacent toe if it is not severely deformed
Use medical tape to buddy tape the broken toe to the neighboring toe
Wrap tape above and below the injured area, not directly over the fracture
Leave the tip of the toe exposed
Make sure the wrap is snug, not tight
Check for numbness, tingling, swelling, or color change
Remove or loosen the wrap if circulation seems reduced
Elevate the foot
Apply ice wrapped in cloth for 15 to 20 minutes at a time
Seek medical care if there is severe pain, an open fracture, major swelling, or trouble walking
