The Telltale Signs of a Broken Toe: How To Tell If Its Broken
Nothing truly compares to the sheer agony of stubbing your toe. The experience itself is universal, and the phenomenon far from uncommon. Most people cry out in pain after hitting their toe against a solid piece of furniture, while others curse in every language possible. However, the one thing almost everyone thinks of is whether or not they broke their toe.
You might think it’s easy to tell if your toe is broken, but the signs don’t always show up as quickly. Sometimes it can take a day or two for the swelling and bruising to appear, indicating a fracture. While on the other hand, the pain is simply triggered due to osteoarthritis.
Despite being a little tricky to identify, it is important to be aware of a broken toe to get it treated in time. Thus, if you suspect you’re dealing with a misaligned toe, don’t just brush it away. Look for the signs mentioned in this blog and contact a medical professional immediately.
How To Tell If Your Toe Is Broken or Just Bruised?
People often get confused between a broken vs. a bruised toe since both can look the same. However, the biggest factor that separates the two is the shape of the toe. That is to say, in the case of a broken toe, the bone would be fractured and end up pointing in the opposite direction, facing the other way from the rest of the toes.
Nonetheless, there are also other symptoms to help identify a broken toe. Here are a couple of signs you should look out for, just in case:
- Swelling around the entire toe.
- Bruising or dark-colored patches appear on the skin.
- Long-lasting pain that just won’t go away.
- Discomfort when pressure is applied on the toe or foot.
- Disgifgured or crooked toe.
- The foot is incapable of withstanding pain
- Throbbing pain arises at random times.
- Unable to walk for more than a few minutes.
- Discolored toenail.
Treatment Options For A Broken Toe
As painful as a broken toe is, there are thankfully plenty of treatment options you can try to eliminate the ache, such as:
- Rest at much as you can.
- Ice the affected area whenever pain arises.
- Splint or buddy-tape the broken toe with its neighboring toe.
- Cast application to help heal the fractured bone from within.
- Elevate the affected foot above heart level.
- Wear special shoes recommended by the doctor.
- Take anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the pain and discomfort.
When To See A Doctor?
If you stubbed or accidentally stretched out your toe, don’t worry. Not all accidents end with a fracture. But if you’re worried about the discomfort and don’t know how to tell if your toe is broken, contact Rheumatology Care instead. Our experts will examine the toe and see whether or not the pain is linked to a bone fracture.
You reach out to us by dialing (832) 532-9779 or paying us a visit at 3688 Breton Ridge St, STE H, Houston, TX 77070, located near the Houston Kidney Specialists Center.