How do I know if my toe is broken or just bruised?

Throbbing pain in the toe is the first sign that it may be broken. You may also hear the bone break at the time of injury. A broken bone, also called a fracture, may also cause swelling at the break. If you’ve broken your toe, the skin near the injury may looked bruised or temporarily change color.

Should I go to the doctor for a broken toe?

If you think you broke your toe, it’s best to have your doctor look at it. Even though you can often treat it yourself, a broken toe can sometimes lead to more serious problems, like infection, arthritis, or long-term foot pain.

Can you move a broken toe?

Can you move a broken toe? “If you can still move it then it’s not broken.” – False. This is another harmful old wives’ tale. Although it may be possible to move and walk on your broken toe, you should avoid doing so as this can lead to even greater damage and prolonged healing time.

How do you treat a badly bruised toe?

Home treatments for a stubbed toe

1. Rest. Stop using your toe, lie down, and let your body recover.
2. Ice. Use ice to numb the pain and reduce swelling.
3. Compression. Wrap your toe, or the entire end of your foot and toes, with an elastic bandage to provide support and keep swelling under control.
4. Elevation.

What would a broken toe look like?

Broken Toe Symptoms Bruising of the skin around the toe may also be noticeable. The toe may not look normal, and it may even look bent or deformed if the broken bone is out of place. It may be difficult to walk because of the pain, especially if the big toe is fractured. Shoes may be painful to wear or feel too tight.

Can a broken toe heal on its own?

Most broken toes will heal on their own with proper care at home. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for complete healing. Most pain and swelling will go away within a few days to a week. If something was dropped on the toe, the area under the toenail can bruise.

What happens if a broken toe goes untreated?

A fractured toe that’s left untreated can lead to infection You’re at increased risk of developing a bone infection if you have diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or a compromised or weakened immune system. Symptoms that suggest your toe has developed a bone infection include: Fatigue. Fever.

How long does a bruised toe take to heal?

Most bruised toes can heal on their own with proper care at home, especially if there is no fracture involved. It usually takes weeks for complete healing; however, pain and swelling can resolve within a few days [4,5]. If an object was dropped on the foot or toe, healing may take longer.

Can a broken toe heal by itself?

Most broken toes will heal on their own with proper care at home. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for complete healing. Most pain and swelling will go away within a few days to a week.

What happens if you have a bruised toe?

Stubbing a toe can even cause breaks, sprains, broken nails, and infections. The pain of a stubbed toe usually subsides after a few minutes. In some cases, however, the impact could break the toe or the toenail, causing intense pain that may get worse over hours or days.