A bruised toe and a broken toe can cause pain and discomfort, but they have distinct differences. A bruised toe occurs when direct impact or pressure damages the small blood vessels under the skin, leading to discoloration, tenderness, swelling, and mild difficulty in movement. The pain is usually manageable, and mobility is often preserved. A broken toe results from a more severe injury, such as heavy impact or sudden force, causing a fracture in the bone. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty moving the toe, and sometimes a visible deformity. A popping sound may be heard at the time of injury. While bruised toes typically heal with rest, broken toes often require medical evaluation. If you have injured your toe, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose bruised and broken toes, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Franklin Square, Bethpage, Brooklyn, and Massapequa, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.