Should I go to the doctor for a broken toe?
When to Call a Doctor
If you think you broke your toe, it’s best to have your doctor look at it. Even though you can often treat it yourself, a broken toe can sometimes lead to more serious problems, like infection, arthritis, or long-term foot pain.
How do you tell if one of your toe is broken?
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Toe?
- Pain or tenderness.
- Swelling.
- Redness.
- Blood under the toenail or broken toenail.
- Stiffness.
- Bruises or discoloration of the skin around the toe.
- The toe may appear abnormal, and may even look bent or deformed if the broken bone is out of place.
What is the best thing for a broken toe?
Medications. You can usually manage pain from a broken toe with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Your doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers if the pain from your fracture is more severe.
Can you leave a broken toe untreated?
A broken toe that is left untreated can cause: Long-term pain in the toe. Broken bones can cause ongoing pain if they are not allowed to heal properly. Walking on the broken toe too soon can delay or prevent healing.