How Do You Know If Your Toe Is Broken or Just Bruised?

How to Tell the Difference Between a Bruised and Broken Toe

Because bruised and broken toes share similar symptoms, it can be tricky to tell them apart without a medical exam. However, some signs can help you make an educated guess before seeing a doctor.

The table below highlights the main differences between a bruised toe and a broken toe:

Signs Your Toe Is Likely Just Bruised

A bruised toe, also known as a soft tissue injury, happens when small blood vessels under the skin break due to impact or pressure. It can be painful, but it usually heals on its own with a bit of rest and care.

Here are the most common symptoms to look out for:

Pain Level and Type

A bruised toe usually causes mild to moderate pain that starts soon after the injury. The pain is often dull or throbbing rather than sharp. You’ll likely notice it most when walking, bending the toe, or wearing tight shoes. 

Swelling and Tenderness

After the impact, the area around the toe can become tender and slightly swollen. This happens because small blood vessels under the skin are damaged. That allows fluid to build up in the surrounding tissue. 

The toe may feel warm to the touch, and pressing on it can cause mild soreness. While swelling is common, it usually stays localized around the injured toe and doesn’t spread to other parts of the foot.

Skin Discoloration

One of the most visible signs of a bruised toe is a color change. The skin may appear red, purple, or blue shortly after the injury as blood pools under the surface. 

Over time, this discoloration can turn yellow or green as the bruise heals. This progression is a normal part of recovery and usually indicates that the body is repairing the damaged tissue.

Mild Difficulty Walking

A bruised toe can make walking uncomfortable, especially when putting pressure on the injured area. However, most people can still walk, move the toes, and wear loose-fitting shoes.

Signs Your Toe Is Probably Broken

A broken toe, or toe fracture, is usually more serious than a bruise and requires proper diagnosis and care. While some fractures are obvious, others (like hairline or stress fractures)  can be harder to spot without an X-ray.

Here are the key symptoms that may indicate your toe is broken:

Severe and Persistent Pain

A broken toe often causes sharp, intense pain that begins immediately after the injury. Unlike a bruise, the pain doesn’t fade quickly. Even light contact (such as bumping the toe against a surface) can trigger discomfort. 

Swelling That Doesn’t Go Down

Swelling is common after most foot injuries, but in the case of a broken toe, it tends to last longer and may even increase over time. The area can appear noticeably puffy and feel warm or tight. 

Bruising Under the Nail

A dark or purple spot beneath the toenail can indicate bleeding caused by a fracture. This type of bruising often appears within hours of the injury. It may make the nail feel tender or painful to touch. In severe cases, the pressure from trapped blood can cause throbbing pain and may even lead to nail loss if untreated.

Visible Deformity or Crooked Appearance

One of the more obvious signs of a broken toe is when it looks bent, out of place, or slightly shorter than normal. You might notice the toe points to a different direction or overlaps with neighboring toes. 

Difficulty Bearing Weight or Walking

When a toe is broken, walking can become extremely painful or even impossible. Many people find they can’t put pressure on the affected foot without severe discomfort. 

Possible Numbness or Tingling

If the injury affects nearby nerves, you might experience numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation around the toe. This symptom can signal nerve compression or damage linked to swelling or misalignment. 

Open Wounds or Bleeding

If your toe has an open wound or is actively bleeding, it’s a sign that the injury may be more severe than a simple bruise. Open cuts can increase the risk of infection, especially if dirt or debris enters the wound. It’s important to gently clean the area with mild soap and water and apply a sterile bandage. 

If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it's important to seek for medical help.

Important: Some fractures are “hairline” (mild) and might not look deformed but still require medical attention. If you suspect a break, it’s best to have your toe examined by a healthcare professional.

If you’re unsure whether your toe is broken or just bruised, you can try the Broken Toe Symptom Checker to get a better understanding of your symptoms. This tool is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for persistent or severe pain.

At-Home Care for a Bruised Toe

If your toe is bruised but not broken, you can usually treat it safely at home. The goal is to reduce pain and swelling while helping the bruise heal naturally. Follow these simple care tips:

• Rest and avoid putting pressure: Try to stay off your injured foot as much as possible to give the tissues time to recover.
• Ice for 15-20 minutes every few hours: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and numb the pain. It’s better not to place ice directly on the skin.
• Elevate your foot: Keep your foot raised on a pillow or cushion to help minimize swelling.
• Wear comfortable, open shoes: Choose shoes that don’t squeeze the toes - sandals or wide sneakers are best until healing begins.
• Use pain relievers if needed: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications can help relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation.

Medical Treatment for a Broken Toe

If your doctor suspects a fracture, they’ll usually start with an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis and determine how severe the break is. Treatment will depend on the type and location of the fracture, but common approaches include:

• Splinting or buddy taping: For minor fractures, your doctor may tape the injured toe to a neighboring one (“buddy taping”) to keep it stable and allow proper healing.
• Possible cast or surgical intervention (if severe): More serious fractures, especially those involving joint displacement or multiple fragments, may require a cast or surgery to realign and secure the bones.
• Pain medication: Prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage pain and swelling during recovery.
• Follow-up care and physical therapy: Regular check-ups to make sure that the bone is healing correctly. In some cases, light exercises or physical therapy help restore movement and strength.

Note: Do not realign your toe on your own - improper handling can make the injury worse or delay healing.