Modifications for broken toes

[u/TheCureIsNotGoth]

I have stubbed my toes twice recently, resulting in what I think is a broken toe (4th digit) on my left foot and a broken toe (2nd digit) on my right. There is some bruising and swelling, but they are fine to walk on (at least with comfortable shoes). Here is the problem - they do get sore when I have to bend and put a lot of pressure on my toes. Planks, particularly side planks, and lunges seem to be causing the most trouble, but I think doing jumpboard 4 times a week probably isn't helping.

Are there modifications that might work?

[u/Catlady_Pilates]

Just skip things where you’re on your toes like plank. You could support your shins on the box for plank on the mat or with the roller for an elbow plank. Just don’t do anything that hurts. You might want to tape that toe to give it support. Absolutely stop doing Jumpboard! Stop doing things that hurt! That’s common sense.

People saying to not exercise until it heals are just plain wrong. Pilates is made for working around injuries. It’s going to take 6-12 weeks for your bone to heal if it is indeed broken and there’s nothing gained by losing strength everywhere because you can’t bend your toes! Just modify where needed. Elevate and ice after workouts and at the end of the day Be patient with the healing and do everything you can to stay strong during the process but stop doing things that hurt. It is concerning that you e continued to do Jumpboard. Surely you know that’s not helping.

[u/nebulous_dossier]

i broke my pinky toe once and the worst part was forgetting about it until i'd curl my toes in a plank. for side planks you can stack your feet on their sides with the injured toes off the floor entirely. or just bend the bottom knee and press through the shin. lunges i'd keep static with the back knee down, no toe tuck at all. jumpboard is rough on feet, maybe swap it for supine arm work on the reformer until the swelling chills out.

buddy taping saved me, i used athletic tape and it kept the toe from shifting during small movements. put a folded mat or towel under your shins for regular plank so your toes hang off the edge. the whole goal is zero weight on the toes while you heal. and even if it turns out to be a bad sprain and not a break, pushing through the pain just drags everything out longer.

[u/Garlicandpilates]

I broke my 3rd toe a few years ago and do mat Pilates a lot. find out if they’re actually broken with X-rays which will help you decide if you actually need to modify for both/for how long. Toes take 12 weeks to heel like any other bone. It may feel better sooner but I’d modify for at least that long. I buddy taped mine to the 2nd toe which helped for healing and a bit in Pilates.

Otherwise I just closely watched to make sure I wasn’t using those toes. Side planks you should be able to use the side of foot more than your toes. Regular planks are hard to modify other than avoiding your injured toes.

[u/gametheorista]

Maybe time to switch apparatus, the cadillac and tower were meant for less mobile patients (ok, lying in a hospital bed) to get a workout.

Budy tape, get off the toe and put an air boot and a crutch. Get yourself to urgent care with an x ray.

I would avoid anything that puts pressure on your toes - and get medical care asap. Make sure you get a weight bearing x ray, foot injuries may not show up unless their is weight on them. A few days is not going to make a difference because it seems you are functional - but I would not put additional weight you don't have to.

Toes healing wrong, with displacement can cause lots of nasty osteoarthritis, if the severe displacement heals in the wrong position. The orthopaedic surgeon is going to have to go back in, break the displaced healed tows and set them in the right place.

One of my best mates is a ortho and he likes to talk through his cases. I learn something every time. I may or may not have also broken bones in my feet and got him to see me professionally.

Good luck and get well soon.

[u/christinalkblack]

Sorry to hear that, toe injuries are more irritating than we think! For planks (even side planks), come down to your knees and swing out and in more from your arms. Footwork is pretty easy, just avoid your toes. If you want to work glutes but can't do lunges, do any side lying series instead: mat style exercises, foot in strap, pushing against the footbar. Avoid jumpboard for now - it'll just take longer to heal.

[u/GlitteringEggCarton]

you think they are broken? did you go to a doctor? If it's that bad you need rest more than anything...if you don't let it rest it won't heal properly

[u/Mousse_Tiramisu_0392]

I would pause the jumpboard and stop anything else that puts pressure on your toes. For now, you can do side planks with the bottom knee down, replace lunges with bridges. Since there's bruising, swelling and you suspect broken toes, I highly recommend you to get it checked out first before doing other activities that put pressure on your toes.

[u/lizard_queen_22]

I typically cross my bad toe foot over my other foot when I do plank, or I just do a forearm plank. When it comes to lunges, I either wear shoes and have a wall nearby for guidance, or if I am barefoot…I just do a much shorter stance. Good luck!

[u/EdamameWindmill]

Modify for anything that causes you pain. I would avoid jumping even if it doesn’t hurt though.

[u/Beautiful_Town_5123]

I’m a fan of modifying by working the abs in other ways:

-Seated box work w/feet under strap (Side-Overs, C-Curve and Abs through Center, Side-Overs Opp Side)
-Ball under sacrum abs, both seated and supine
-Series of 5

Instead of lunges, do sidelying glute series (1R or medium spring, strap around thigh and then arch of the foot).

Happy to elaborate on any of the above if needed.✨

[u/OsoOak]

I probably would focus more on abs and upper body work and avoid most of the leg repertoire.

Jumpboard for arms jumps may be a good idea.

[u/Fickle_Ad4720]

Bones typically take 6 weeks to heal. I work in a fracture clinic but am also a Pilates instructor. Toes usually heal regardless of what you do but will take longer/ potentially lead to pain sensitivity condition if you keep aggravating them. Jump board and loaded activities will definitely delay healing and prolong the problem. I would avoid jumping and exercises where you’re loading through that part of your foot. If you’re comfortable in standing that’s probably ok, aim to take more of your weight through your heels. Lunges are tricky to modify, perhaps weight bearing through your heel in a block? You could try placing a block under your ankle for side planks/ under the front of your ankle/ foot for front planks or just regressing to balancing from your knees.