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What causes a toe to break?

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How can doctors tell if my toe is broken?

How do doctors treat a broken toe?

Fractures

Overview of Broken Bones

Compression Fractures of the Spine

Growth Plate Fractures

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

People differ in their susceptibility to nosebleeds. Some people get them often, others rarely or never. Nosebleeds can be mild, with just a trickle of blood, or severe, with a strong stream of blood. From which of the following areas do nosebleeds usually originate?

Blood vessels in the back of the nose
Blood vessels on the cartilage that separates the nostrils (nasal septum)
Blood vessels in the throat (pharynx)
Blood vessels in the tissue directly underneath the nose

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

People differ in their susceptibility to nosebleeds. Some people get them often, others rarely or never. Nosebleeds can be mild, with just a trickle of blood, or severe, with a strong stream of blood. From which of the following areas do nosebleeds usually originate?

Blood vessels in the back of the nose
Blood vessels on the cartilage that separates the nostrils (nasal septum)
Blood vessels in the throat (pharynx)
Blood vessels in the tissue directly underneath the nose

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