Symptoms Of A Broken Toe

By: Chuck G.

Break Studios Contributing Writer

It’s not uncommon to feel discomfort on your feet and toes, but to be on the safe side you should always be aware of the symptoms of a broken toe. What causes a broken toe? The most obvious is dropping an object right on your foot. Another cause is when you stub your toes against a bedpost or wall. Repetitive sport moves can also cause a broken toe, but with the adrenaline running so high you may not notice the discomfort for a short while. Here are some signs and symptoms of a broken toe to look for.

  1. Pain. While anybody can experience discomfort from shoes being too tight, there is a big difference if you feel a sharp or numbing pain. This is the most obvious symptom of a broken toe.
  2. Swelling. With any major injury like a broken bone you will experience a degree of swelling. Place ice on the injured toe, and if the swelling does not go down, seek medical attention.
  3. Stiffness. A sure symptom of broken toes is when you lose flexibility. If you can not bend your toes as before you may have a hairline fracture.
  4. Bruising. If your toe looks purplish or show any signs of bruising you may want to have a doctor look at it. Bruising could just be a simple injury but sustained use of the foot may cause the toe to break.
  5. Bending. A sure sign symptom of a broken toe is if your toe bends in a deformed like manner, and the bones are not straightened as they should be.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a broken toe it would be a good idea to get x-rayed. While the smaller toes are more difficult to x-ray properly, a physician will help diagnose if you have an injury. It’s also a good idea to address any injury quickly as more complications can arise with neglect. Seek medical treatment if you do experience any signs of a broken toe.

Posted on: Dec. 12, 2010