A dislocated toe happens when the bones of a toe slip out of place. It's treated by taping the injured toe to the neighboring toe ("buddy taping") with padding in between. Buddy taping usually is needed for a few weeks while the injury heals. Most kids who dislocate a toe can gradually return to their normal activities. The toe may feel stiff for a while.

For swelling:

• For the next few days, put a cold pack or a plastic bag of ice wrapped in a towel on the toe for 15–20 minutes a few times a day. Do not place ice directly on the skin.
• Help your child keep the foot raised above heart level as often as possible. Try propping it up with pillows.

For pain:

• If your child is uncomfortable, a pain medicine can help. If the health care provider says it's OK, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol^® or a store brand) OR ibuprofen (such as Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand) exactly as directed. Don't give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old.
• Follow the health care provider's directions about when and 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. Be sure not to wrap the tape too tightly. 

For walking:

• To reduce stress on the toe, have your child wear hard-soled shoes.
• If the health care provider recommends crutches, your child should use them as instructed.
• Help your child do foot or toe exercises if these were recommended. They can help prevent the toe from feeling stiff.

Follow-up:

• Schedule a follow-up visit with an orthopedic doctor (bone specialist) or a podiatrist (foot specialist) as directed.
• Ask your health care provider when it's OK for your child to return to sports.

• The toe dislocates again.
• The tape causes skin irritation.
• Pain is not getting better with pain medicine.
• Swelling doesn't improve with home treatment.

Your child:

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

How can toes get dislocated? A toe can dislocate from being hit or jammed (for example, from accidentally walking into furniture or during sports).

Can a dislocated toe happen again? Yes. A joint that dislocated once is more likely to dislocate again.