If you suspect that you have a broken pinky toe, it is best to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. However, for minor breaks, you can take care of your toe at home with the following self-care measures:

• Rest: Stop doing any physical activity that causes pain, and keep your foot immobile whenever possible.

• Ice: For the first 24 hours, ice your toe for up to 20 minutes four times per day to reduce swelling and pain.

• Elevation: Prop your foot up when possible so that your injury is higher than your heart to help reduce swelling and pain.

• Buddy taping: Wrap tape around the injured toe and the toe next to it to keep your toe stable. Place a small wad of cotton between your toes to prevent tissues from becoming too moist. Change the cotton daily.

• Footwear: Wear a stiff-bottomed shoe to protect your toe and make room for swelling. Once swelling has gone down, wear a solid, stable shoe to protect your toe.

• Pain relief: You can usually manage pain from a broken toe with over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen that you can get without a prescription. Severe pain might require prescription painkillers.

If your toe is crooked after the injury, the bone may be out of place and may need to be straightened in order to heal properly. This may be done either with or without surgery. Most broken toes will heal on their own with proper care at home, and it can take 4 to 6 weeks for complete healing.