A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones fracture due to trauma or excessive pressure. It can result from dropping a heavy object on the foot, stubbing the toe with force, or experiencing a direct impact during physical activity. A jammed toe, on the other hand, happens when the toe is forcefully bent or compressed, causing soft tissue injury rather than a fracture. Symptoms of a broken toe include severe pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, and possible deformity. A jammed toe usually causes pain, stiffness, mild swelling, and temporary discomfort but does not result in a visible deformity. While both conditions can be painful, a broken toe may require medical evaluation and immobilization. If you have toe pain that may indicate a broken toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you appropriate treatment solutions.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Daniel Mendoza, DPM of Nashville Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Trauma
- Sports injury
- Wearing shoes that are too tight
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Corns and calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Blisters
- Ingrown toenails
- Sprains
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Dislocations
When to See a Podiatrist
- Severe pain
- Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
- Signs of infection
- Continued swelling
- Pain that prevents walking
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hendersonville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
