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Overview
Most toe fractures heal with taping.
Big toe injuries need checking.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayDeformity or big toe injury.
See a doctor soonNot usually urgent.
Causes
Caused by injury.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause toe pain, swelling, or bruising after stubbing or dropping something on it. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Broken toeOften treated at home
A toe that's swollen, bruised, and painful after stubbing it or dropping something on it.
What you can do at home
- Buddy tape.
- Stiff shoes.
Medicines
Pain relievers.
At the doctor
X-ray if needed.
Questions you may be asked
- Injury
The exam
A toe exam.
Tests
- X-ray
Prevention
Wear shoes.
- Clear floors
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.