A bruised toe and a broken toe may appear similar, but there are key differences. A bruised toe is often caused by direct trauma, such as stubbing the toe, and results in swelling, discoloration, and pain, typically surrounding the affected area. The bruising comes from blood vessels beneath the skin being damaged. In contrast, a broken toe occurs when there is a fracture in the bone, which may be caused by a more significant injury, such as dropping something heavy on the foot or stubbing the toe forcefully. A broken toe usually causes more intense pain, swelling, and may lead to difficulty walking or bearing weight on the foot. If the toe is misshapen or there is an inability to move it, it is likely broken. If you have injured your toe, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can determine if the toe is broken or bruised, and provide effective treatment solutions.
A broken toe typically occurs following either a sudden, traumatic injury, like dropping a heavy piece of furniture on the toe. The impact causes the bone to fracture and produces a variety of painful symptoms. If you suspect that you’ve broken your toe, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
Symptoms
- Throbbing pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Cracking sound at the time of injury
- Difficulty bearing weight on the toe
- Difficulty walking
- Toe resting at an unnatural angle
Diagnosis
Your chiropodist can diagnose a broken toe through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays.
Treatment
The main goals of treatment are to ensure that the bone heals properly, as a toe fracture that doesn’t heal properly can lead to osteoarthritis. You will typically need to rest the affected toe. You may be prescribed a splint to immobilize the toe while it heals. Icing the affected toe and taking over-the-counter medications can help reduce pain. In cases of severe fractures, surgery may be necessary to reset the broken bones and make sure that they heal correctly.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON .
