How do you tell if toe is stubbed or broken?

If it hurts the rest of the day and longer, you may have a fracture. When you stub your toe, it's normal to expect some bruising and even some blood under the toenail. But, if the discoloration lasts for a few days, if it spreads, or if it seems like there is too much blood under the nail, you might have a broken toe.
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How do you know when a stubbed toe is serious?

See a doctor if:
  1. the toe is very swollen.
  2. the pain is severe and does not go away after several hours.
  3. it is difficult to walk or to put weight on the foot.
  4. the toenail falls off or the area around it is very swollen.
  5. there are signs of infection around the toenail, such as itching, redness, and pus.
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Can you still wiggle your toe if it's broken?

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

If you have a broken toe: A broken toe is a fractured bone. This type of injury results in either a very limited range of motion or even the inability to move the toe at all. In addition, the toe will swell and bruise.
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What does your toe feel like if it's broken?

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.
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What happens if you leave a broken toe 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.
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Stubbed Toe or Broken Toe? [Symptoms, Pain Relief



Do you need to go to hospital for a broken toe?

A broken toe can be painful, but you do not usually need to go to hospital.
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How do you treat a stubbed toe at home?

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.
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What does a sprained toe look like?

A sprained toe shouldn't look dislocated. It will still swell, but will likely have less bruising. A sprained toe may be painful for several days, but should then begin to improve. One other key difference between a break and a sprain is the location of the pain.
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How do you know if you jammed your toe?

The main symptoms are:
  1. pain, often in the entire toe or even the area around it.
  2. tenderness.
  3. swelling.
  4. bruising.
  5. trouble moving your toe.
  6. joint instability.
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How do you treat a badly stubbed toe?

How Long Does it Take For a Stubbed Toe to Heal?
  1. Rest. The one thing you should always do is the absence of doing anything at all. ...
  2. Ice. Use an ice pack (no direct contact with actual ice to the skin) to reduce swelling. ...
  3. Compression. Wrap your toe if necessary with a compression garment. ...
  4. Elevation.
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How long will it take for a stubbed toe to heal?

This might mean staying off your feet and not wearing constricting shoes for a few days. When cared for correctly, a broken toe can heal in about four to six weeks. Your doctor may also recommend that you pick up some pain medication as well as try buddy taping.
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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.
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Does a broken toe hurt to touch?

Symptoms of a stress fracture in the toe include: pain that occurs after activities such as walking or running. pain that goes away with rest. soreness or tenderness when touched.
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Does a sprained toe hurt to touch?

A sprained toe is a common injury that can happen for many reasons and affect people of all ages. Sprained toes are often tender and painful, but it is still possible to move them. The toes contain joints that enable a person to walk, run, jump, and do other activities.
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When should you see a doctor for a sprained toe?

If you have injured your toe and have experienced swelling that has not decreased within five days, noticed a change in the color of your toe, or continued to feel pain days after the initial injury, it may be time to seek professional care.
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Why do stubbed toes hurt so much?

When you stub your toe, you're slamming it with a force equal to 2-3 times your body weight. That's about the same force as a karate punch! And since your toe has a tiny surface area, that force can't spread out. So the pain stays concentrated at the point of impact.
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Should I ice a stubbed toe?

Caring for a Stubbed Toe From Home

One series of treatments is known as RICE. Rest – Let your body recover by lying down and keeping your toe stationary. Ice – Ice can reduce swelling and pain. Simply wrap some ice in a towel or use an ice pack, gently placing it on the toe in a position that does not cause pain.
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What do doctors do for a broken toe?

Usually, you can treat a broken toe by taping it to a neighboring toe. But if the fracture is severe — particularly if it involves your big toe — you may need a cast or even surgery to ensure proper healing.
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Does a stubbed toe bruise?

When you stub your toe, it's normal to expect some bruising and even some blood under the toenail. But, if the discoloration lasts for a few days, if it spreads, or if it seems like there is too much blood under the nail, you might have a broken toe.
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Can a stubbed toe hurt for days?

Normally the pain from a stubbed toe subsides in a day or two. If the pain continues or if the toe looks deformed, come in to our office. After a careful examination, including comparing the toes to the healthy foot and x-rays right in our office, we will recommend treatment for the stubbed toe.
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Can your toe be bruised and not broken?

Most swollen, bruised and painful toes are not broken. X-rays are only needed for severe pain and severe injuries. If the big toe might be broken, it should be seen by a doctor. The other injured toes generally don't need to be seen.
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Should you wrap a broken toe at night?

Never tape the toes together skin-to-skin. Your broken toe may need to be buddy-taped for 2 to 4 weeks to heal. Rest and protect your toe. Do not walk on it until you can do so without too much pain.
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