Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

Yes No

Leave this Site?

The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site.

Continue Cancel
Merck Manual
Consumer Version
The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Health Topics & Chapters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Merck Manual
Consumer Version
The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Health Topics & Chapters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Home /
Quick Facts: Injuries and Poisoning /
Fractures /
... /
Broken Toe /
IN THIS TOPIC

What causes a toe to break?

What are the symptoms of a broken toe?

How can doctors tell if my toe is broken?

How do doctors treat a broken toe?

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Fractures
Overview of Broken Bones
Broken Ankle
Broken Collarbone
Broken Fingertip
Broken Heel
Broken Hip
Broken Metatarsal
Broken Pelvis
Broken Shoulder
Broken Toe
Broken Wrist
Compartment Syndrome
Compression Fractures of the Spine
Growth Plate Fractures

Test your knowledge

Pulmonary-Renal Syndrome
Pulmonary-renal syndrome affects both the lungs and kidneys. This disorder causes bleeding into the lungs (diffuse alveolar hemorrhage) along with damage to the microscopic blood vessels in the kidney (glomerulonephritis). Which of the following is almost always the cause of this syndrome?

More Content

Loading
Quick Facts

Broken Toe

(Toe Fracture)

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Apr 2019
Click here for the Professional Version
Get the full details
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version

You can break any of the 2 or 3 tiny bones in your toes. All broken bones are considered fractures. For more information, see Overview of Broken Bones.

  • You usually break your toe when you stub it or drop something on it

  • You may have blood under your toenail

  • Doctors usually just tape your broken toe to the toe next to it

What causes a toe to break?

Toe fractures are often caused by:

  • A heavy object falling on your toe

  • Stubbing your toe by banging it against something hard like a piece of furniture or a step

What are the symptoms of a broken toe?

Symptoms include:

  • Painful, swollen toe

  • Discolored toenail from blood trapped underneath

A fracture of the big toe is more painful, usually has more swelling and bruising, and may cause problems with walking.

How can doctors tell if my toe is broken?

Doctors will examine your toe. X-rays aren't usually needed.

How do doctors treat a broken toe?

Doctors will:

  • Tape your broken toe to the toe next to it (this is called buddy taping) and have you keep your toes taped for several weeks

  • If blood is trapped under the toenail, make a small hole in your nail to drain it and ease pain

  • Have you wear comfortable shoes

Broken toes rarely need to be put back into place.

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version
© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA)
Broken Shoulder
Broken Wrist
Others also read
Toe Fractures Toe Fractures
Broken Metatarsal Broken Metatarsal
Foot Fractures Foot Fractures

Also of Interest

3D Models
View All
Spinal Column and Spinal Cord
3D Model
Spinal Column and Spinal Cord

SOCIAL MEDIA

Merck and the Merck Manuals

Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Merck Manual was first published in 1899 as a service to the community. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Manual outside of North America. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge.

TRUSTe
TRUSTe

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
TOP