4. Prolonged repetitive movements
Sports injuries are the third most common source of broken toes. Strikes to the feet with playing balls or playing instruments such as baseball bats, hockey sticks, and golf clubs can cause considerable damage. Other everyday sports injuries that can cause broken toes are falling over hurdles, running into goal posts or tumbling over stadium seats while trying to capture a ball. Even without direct trauma, there are certain activities that can cause broken toes when performed repetitively. These types of breaks are designated as stress fractures and hairline fractures.
In most cases, these types of broken toes are caused by actions such as overusing the feet or toes. Ballerinas and long-distance runners are good examples of athletes that commonly experience broken toes due to prolonged repetitive movements.
Even in sports that are not foot intensive, stress fractures can occur. Small cracks formed by repetitive force or overuse and toe bones weakened by a condition are more prone to stress breaks