How To Know If Toe Is Broken

Whether you tripped on the sidewalk or kicked the stove in the middle of the night, here is how to know if a toe is broken or not. The only real way to tell is through an x-ray, but there are several things you can do at home to make a diagnosis. Also know that if you do go to a doctor, he or she will just tell you to take ibuprofen and put as little pressure as possible on the toe.

1. Compare Toes The first step in determining whether or not your toe is broken is to rub it gently with your fingers. Rub the same toe on the other foot so you know what a normal toe feels like. If the bones in the injured toe are lumpy or feel crooked, your toe is probably broken. If it hurts or is bruised but the bones feel normal, it is more likely just a sprain.
2. Wiggle It Get your ear as close as you can to your foot and wiggle the broken toe. Popping and grating sounds indicate broken bones rubbing against each other. While broken toes don’t always hurt, intense pain in your toe, especially when you wiggle it, suggests a break.
3. Bruises and Swelling While bruises don’t necessarily mean a break, extreme swelling does. If your toe doubles in size and the skin is stretched taut, it is likely your toe is broken.
4. Stand Up A broken toe will not be able to hold you up, so stand up and try walking normally. If the injured toe buckles, it is probably a break.

Resources:

AAOS

Foot Health