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What causes a toe to break?

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How do doctors treat a broken toe?

Fractures

Overview of Broken Bones

Compression Fractures of the Spine

Growth Plate Fractures

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

Liver failure is a condition that occurs when a large portion of the liver becomes damaged and unable to function. Sometimes liver failure develops quickly, over several days (acute liver failure); other times, it develops slowly, over months or years (chronic liver failure). There are numerous causes of liver failure. Which of the following is NOT a common cause of liver failure?

Alcohol use
Drug use (eg, acetaminophen)
Gallstones (hard deposits that can form in the gall bladder or its ducts)
Viral hepatitis (inflammation of the liver caused by a hepatitis virus)

Broken Toe

(Toe Fracture)

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Feb 2021| Content last modified Feb 2021

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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 Overview of Broken Bones All broken bones are considered fractures. It doesn't matter whether it's just a little crack or a big break with lots of pieces. Broken bones hurt a lot and cause swelling Your bone may look... read more .

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

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

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.

Doctors will examine your toe. X-rays Plain X-Rays A plain x-ray is an imaging test that takes a picture of the inside of your body. It uses a low dose of x-ray radiation. X-rays show body parts according to how dense (solid) they are. Doctors... read more aren't usually needed.

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

Broken Shoulder

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Broken Wrist

Fractures

Overview of Broken Bones

Compression Fractures of the Spine

Growth Plate Fractures

Broken Metatarsal

Toe Fractures

Foot Fractures

Liver failure is a condition that occurs when a large portion of the liver becomes damaged and unable to function. Sometimes liver failure develops quickly, over several days (acute liver failure); other times, it develops slowly, over months or years (chronic liver failure). There are numerous causes of liver failure. Which of the following is NOT a common cause of liver failure?

Alcohol use
Drug use (eg, acetaminophen)
Gallstones (hard deposits that can form in the gall bladder or its ducts)
Viral hepatitis (inflammation of the liver caused by a hepatitis virus)

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