You can determine whether your toe is fractured or just bruised by assessing the pain level, swelling and bruising, the toe's appearance, and mobility
. If you suspect that you have a broken toe, seek help from a podiatrist or a specialist for further examination
. Signs of a bruised toe:
- Mild to moderate pain that fades after a few hours or days
- Bruising and swelling limited to the injured area
- The toe maintains its shape and alignment but may appear slightly red, swollen, or tender
- You can move your toe without much discomfort, though you may experience some stiffness
- Pain improves within a few days, especially with rest and ice
Signs of a fractured toe:
- Intense pain, especially when walking or moving the toe, that lasts beyond the initial injury
- Severe bruising and swelling that may spread across the entire toe or even to the foot
. The toe may also turn bluish or purplish
- The toe may appear deformed, crooked, or misaligned
- The toe may feel rigid or immobilized, with difficulty moving it due to pain
- Pain that doesn’t go away after a few days or worsens with movement
- Possible cracking or popping sound at the time of injury
- Inability to bend the toe
Seek immediate medical attention if the skin is broken or the toe is severely bent or displaced
. Even if it is not broken, treatments can ease discomfort and speed healing
