How to Relieve a Stubbed Toe

Written by Erica Halpern on October 6, 2022

It’s no mystery when you have a stubbed toe. It usually results from a sudden hit or jam into furniture or another foreign object. Tripping over something or getting your toe stuck can also cause this painful nuisance.

The sudden pain from a stubbed toe can be both alarming and momentarily debilitating. While most stubbed toes come and go, it’s important to look for signs of a more serious injury and how you can relieve it.

Stubbed Toe: What to Look Out For

Since stubbed toes are so common, most people assume that they don’t cause complications or can’t be serious. However, stubbed toes can range in severity. It’s even possible to confuse a broken toe for a stubbed toe.

Here are some signs to pay attention to:

If your stubbed toe is turning purple: Internal bleeding under a stubbed toenail can cause bruising and blood pooling, or a subungual hematoma. Typically, a purple or blueish tint in a stubbed toe will go away. But if it doesn’t go away within a few days or the colouring spreads, you may have a broken toe.
If you’ve stubbed your pinky toe: Your pinky toe is more vulnerable than its counterparts since its placement and small size leave it more susceptible to injury. Despite this, you should follow the same steps to healing your pinky toe as any other toes.
Stubbed toe and nail damage: Sometimes, stubbing your toe can lead to a cracked toenail. The sudden impact to the toenail may also be enough to break deep into the nail plate and cause bleeding. It may be painful and difficult to walk for a while as the broken portion of the nail regrows. It’s important to pay close attention to an open, externally bleeding toenail as it is vulnerable to infection.
Stubbed toe vs. broken toe: If you notice discolouration and pain that does not subside, deformity, and stiffness, you may have broken your toe.
Swelling and difficulty walking: See a doctor or foot specialist if you notice swelling and an inability to put weight on your foot.

How to Relieve a Stubbed Toe: Stubbed Toe Treatment

To prevent stubbed toes as much as possible, wear orthopedic slippers or other footwear indoors. Going barefoot at home is second nature for many of us, but protective footwear can prevent many minor injuries.

The RICE method is one of the most effective ways to handle sudden minor injuries.

Rest: If the pain from your stubbed toe is lingering, stop physical activity and rest your foot. Many healthcare professionals suggest staying off your toe for at least 48 hours.
Ice: Applying ice to the toe can reduce pain and swelling.
Compression: Light compression also reduces pain and swelling. Try using a medical bandage or gauze.
Elevation: Raising your foot can reduce swelling, pain and throbbing. You can easily elevate your foot by stacking a few pillows on top of each other and placing your foot on top of them while laying down.

You can try nonprescription medication, like Ibuprofen to help relieve throbbing pain. Additionally, if you have a cracked toenail, you can try soaking it in an Epsom salt foot bath.

If you’re concerned about the severity of your stubbed toe, you can schedule an appointment with a chiropodist. They may be able to tape your toe, so it heals faster. Furthermore, they can determine if your toe is broken during a thorough foot assessment. If your chiropodist suspects a toe fracture, they may suggest x-rays.

How Long Does a Stubbed Toe Take to Heal?

In many cases, your toe will be momentarily painful but quickly feel better.
If the impact pain is excruciating, use the RICE method. See a foot specialist or your doctor if the pain doesn’t subside within several hours.
If you have a toe fracture, the average recovery time is 4-6 weeks.

Trust the foot care experts!

If you’re concerned about your stubbed toe, our chiropodists are here to help. Give us a call at 416-769-FEET (3338) or use our online booking form below to book an appointment. No referral needed!

About Author: Erica Halpern

Erica is the operations manager at Feet First Clinic. Since 2021, she has been writing, researching and editing website and social media content. She also oversees Feet First Clinic’s daily and strategic operations to ensure the best possible experience for our clients. Her goal is to ensure patients are equipped with the knowledge and solutions they need to help with their pain.

Learn more about Erica Halpern

PrevPrevious Dry Feet & Skin Peeling At-Home Treatments

NextNext Inflammation Pain Relief

September 5, 2024

How to Treat and Prevent Athlete’s Foot: Tips from Chiropodists

Athlete's foot is a fungus that infects the skin on your feet. Many people get it, and it can cause a lot of problems. Your feet may itch, turn red, and peel when you have it. This fungus grows best in places that are warm and damp. The good news is that you can treat and stop athlete's foot if you know what to do. Here are some tips from chiropodists (foot specialists) to help you keep your feet healthy and free from fungus. Treatment strategies See a Chiropodist Because of all the moisture buildup on our feet, fungal infections can grow out of control very quickly; they're stubborn and persistent, and once the infection gets under the toenail, it becomes very difficult to treat. In addition, over-the-counter anti-fungal medications are not very effective unless the infection is in the very early stages. That's why it's important to see a chiropodist as soon as you notice any symptoms. A chiropodist will debride and clean up any fungal growth on the skin and prescribe a topical anti-fungal medication to help nip the athlete's foot in the bud before it spreads to the toenails. Oral anti-fungal medications, while effective, are often not recommended due to their side effects. Often, topical prescription anti-fungal medication and persistence are the best way to go. Maintain a rigid hygiene routine Your feet and body will thank you if you keep the infected area clean and dry. Wash your feet daily with soap and water and dry them well between your toes. Fungus grows best in damp places, so ensure your feet are dry before putting on socks and shoes. If you're particularly prone to sweaty feet, you can also try an anti-bacterial foot deodorant like Gehwol's Foot Deodorant spray. This can help prevent Athlete's foot, and even treat it in its very early stages. Avoid scratching Scratching the infected spot can cause other bacterial infections. To soothe the itch, try using antifungal creams or powders. If the infection gets worse or spreads, talk to a doctor. Change socks regularly Choose cotton or merino wool socks that let your feet breathe and wick away sweat. Wear fresh socks every day and change them after physical activity or when they get wet. This helps reduce moisture build-up, which can worsen the fungal infection. Prevention Tips Avoid walking barefoot in public Athlete's foot, along with other fungal infections, are contagious and spread when skin comes into contact with an infected surface. Therefore, always make sure you are wearing some kind of protective footwear in public spaces - like flip flops or slippers - in locker rooms, communal showers, pool decks and gymnasiums. Stick to a foot care routine Clean your feet and dry them well between your toes. Also make sure you cut and clean your toenails often, as fungi can hide under the toenails. Just make sure you don't cut them too short, or you can get an ingrown toenail. Put on the right shoes Pick shoes that let air flow through them. Avoid (if possible) wearing the same shoes all day, every day, and ensure they're dry before putting them on. Use flip-flops or water-safe sandals in public spots like pools or gym showers to avoid touching infected surfaces. Clean Your Shoes Fungal spores can hang around in shoes, which will feed the infection. To combat this, spray your shoes and socks with antifungal and antibacterial products, such as hypochlorous acid, zinc oxide or zinc incoleate, and dry them out before you put them on again. You can use Gehwol Foot & Shoe Deodorant Spray in your shoes, or dust Gehwol Foot Powder into your socks. These products contain zinc oxide and zinc ricinoleate, respectively, which are great for maintaining a healthy environment in your shoes. You can find these products at our Toronto foot clinic. Keep personal items to yourself Don't let others use your towels, socks, or shoes, and vice versa. Fungal infections are contagious and spread through touching or sharing personal items with people who have a fungal infection.

August 15, 2024

Secondary Toenail: What It Is and How to Handle It

Whether they're discoloured, cracked, ingrown, curly, or on the verge of falling off, toenail anatomy can be fragile and our nails can do funny things. A less commonly discussed issue is a secondary toenail. Also known as an accessory toenail or petaloid toenail, a secondary toenail is a sneaky little extra nail twin that grows alongside or beneath the pinky toenail. This abnormal toenail growth can be concerning, so it’s natural to have questions. Signs You Have a Secondary Toenail It’s important to know the difference between an ingrown toenail and an accessory toenail. First, ingrown toenails can grow on any toe, whereas a secondary toenail appears on the fifth, smallest toe. Ingrown toenails are also far more common, and pierce the skin rather than growing alongside the nail. Secondary toenails are thin in nature and often don’t cause pain, infection or swelling like ingrown toenails do (although it is possible). Lastly, ingrown toenails form on the side of the nail unit, whereas secondary toenails grow underneath the proper nail. What Causes a Secondary Toenail? A secondary toenail is a rare phenomenon. It often makes an unexpected appearance after trauma or injury to the nail bed. You may notice your nail growing differently after stubbing or hurting it. Chronic pressure from tight shoes or less-than-perfect nail trimming can also coax this extra nail into existence. Do You Need Surgery For Secondary Toenails? Studies show that the treatment of choice for this extra pinky toenail is an excision, especially if it’s infected. A partial or total nail avulsion from Toronto’s Feet First Clinic may be the solution you need, but you’ll have to schedule a proper foot assessment to determine the best course of action. Treatment of accessory toenails targets the original toenail, not the second one. The second toenail should grow properly after the “main” nail is removed.

August 1, 2024

Tips For When Your Toenail Is on The Verge Of Falling Off

A toenail falling off can be uncomfortable and cause concern about damage to the toenail. The goal is to preserve the toenail's state to prevent further damage. Fortunately, if you take a few proactive steps, you can reduce the discomfort and promote healing. Here are our six tips for managing a toenail on the verge of falling off. 1. Keep the toenail area clean and dry Wash the toenail gently and often. We recommend using mild soap and water to keep it clean. Next, pat dry so as not to snag the toenail with a towel. 2. Cut the nail carefully and slowly Use clean, sterilized nail clippers to remove any dangling or loose portions of the toenail. Cut straight across without digging into the surrounding skin. The goal here is to prevent further snagging or tearing down the road. Improperly cutting your nail may also increase your risk of an ingrown toenail. In addition to trimming the toenail straight across, you should trim the toenail slowly. Don't over-cut it. Be patient with toenail growth. (It may take months to a year for a nail to fully grow out.) If in doubt, let our toenail specialists in Toronto trim your toenails for you as part of a medical pedicure. 3. Use a non-stick bandage to protect the area We recommend applying a bandage or non-sticky wrap to your toe. (Adhesive can attach itself to the toenail and be difficult to peel off without grabbing onto it.) A protective layer keeps an otherwise exposed nail bed safe. Replace the bandage regularly and keep the area dry to promote healing. 4. Antiseptic ointment is your friend Use an antiseptic ointment or petroleum jelly on the exposed nail bed to keep it moisturized and prevent infection. This may help soothe any discomfort from the loose toenail. 5. Choose comfortable and roomier footwear You'll want to reduce pressure as much as possible to prevent a loose toenail from falling off. Given that we wear footwear so often, finding shoes with ample fit can help prevent further damage to the toenails. 6. Avoid intense activity Reduce your activity level if it puts excessive pressure or strain on the affected toenail. For instance, running or high-impact sports like soccer could increase the risk of the toenail getting snagged or torn off. Give your toe some rest, and return to physical activity gradually.

July 22, 2024

Hammertoes: Non-Surgical Solutions for Correcting Toe Deformities

Sometimes with aging feet comes the development of toe deformities, particularly hammertoes. Studies show that approximately half of women over 70 have some version of a toe deformity (but they can happen to anyone). Many assume correcting hammertoes always leads to a daunting surgery, but guess what? Surgery is not usually the first option and is generally only considered when the toe becomes rigid, or other complications arise. Read today’s article to discover the best non-surgical solutions for hammertoes and toe alignment techniques that achieve amazing results. Top Hammertoe Treatment Options Innovation in foot care and toe straightening methods have lead to plenty of non-surgical solutions for hammertoes and the pain they cause, including: Splinting, taping and bracing Custom orthotics and new footwear Shockwave therapy At-home exercises Other treatments Splinting, Taping and Bracing These non-invasive tools are great for dealing with toe curvature. All performed by a licensed Toronto chiropodist, splinting, taping and bracing helps straighten the toe, reduces friction and discomfort (corn development is common for people with hammertoes) and provides support and alignment. Custom Orthotics And Footwear Changes Custom orthotics are all about placing each part of your foot where it’s supposed to be, including toes. Wearing orthotics can properly align the joint in your toe and relax the burden on the affected tendons. Most importantly, they'll offset and redistribute pressure away from the toes. This will reduce strain on the hammertoes when you walk, which will help prevent them from getting worse. As for footwear, avoid high heels if you have any toe deformity; they’re notorious for making hammertoes worse. Wear wide shoes, maybe even orthopedic shoes, that allow your toe abnormalities to exist comfortably and reduce pain as much as possible. Most importantly, make sure your shoes fit: If your shoes are too short, your toes will curl, which will make your hammertoes worse. (In fact, ill-fitting footwear is a major contributing factor to hammertoes.) Shockwave Therapy It’s clear that when you have hammertoes, your joints and tendons take a hit. They stiffen up, become quite painful, and may even weaken your muscles over time. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that may help treat your tendons and ligaments. At-Home Exercises Check out exercises and stretches that help treat the top of the foot to soothe your hammertoes and strengthen your feet and muscles in general. Many of these target the toes and surrounding area. Strengthening the muscles in your feet ensures that the toes and joints don't get overworked or strained when you walk, which helps manage hammertoes and provides hammertoe pain relief. Over-the-Counter Products Gel separators, toe spacers, pads, cushions and more can help you take control of your hammertoes without resorting to surgery. Call your local Toronto foot clinic to see what they have in stock!

July 11, 2024

Why You Shouldn’t Use Fingernail Clippers for Your Toenails

There's always the right tool for the job. Using each tool for its intended purpose is best, or you risk doing more damage than good. That's why fingernail clippers and toenail clippers exist. To understand why, it's important to understand the difference between toenails and fingernails. Toenails are thicker, harder, and grow slower than fingernails because your feet and hands serve different functions. Toenails also have a greater surface area. In this blog post, we explain why you should avoid using fingernail clippers for your toenails and opt for toenail clippers exclusively. Reduce the risk of bacterial or fungal contamination For one, separating your nail tools prevents contamination and possible spread of bacteria and fungus. Given how exposed your hands are every day, you wouldn't want to spread any bacteria to your feet. When in doubt, clean your clippers with 70%—90% isopropyl alcohol. Fingernail clippers may not work on toenails When looking at fingernail vs. toenail clippers, the size difference is stark. Fingernail clippers are smaller, narrower, and curved. Toenail clippers are larger, wider, and straight across, as you should trim your toenails straight across. Cutting them with a curved edge increases your risk of ingrown toenails. If you want more guidance on choosing the tool for your toenails, read our blog post on our top choices for toenail clippers. Limit the risk of cracking and damaging your toenails Using sharp, rigid toenail clippers makes trimming easy and more effective. Using fingernail clippers means you'll need to apply more pressure to cut the nail and risk damaging or even cracking the toenail. If you don’t have the right tools, enough time, or simply the confidence to focus on a nail trim, try a medical pedicure instead. It includes the right nail trimming procedure and includes moisturization, thorough cleaning, and more. Before the nail trim, a chiropodist also examines your feet for other foot conditions. Prevent ingrown toenails You'll also notice the curvature of fingernail vs. toenail clippers. Fingernail clippers are curved and meant to follow the contours of your fingernails. On the other hand, toenails are plateaued and should be cut straight across. Using a curved tool on your toenails puts you at risk of jagged edges, nail splitting, or could be a root cause of ingrown toenails. If you wish, use a nail file to round the edges. This tool is necessary for properly smoothing the edges of the nails. After the trimming, there will likely be some jagged edges, sharp corners, and “spikes.”

June 20, 2024

Toenail Anatomy: Understanding the Structure Beneath Your Toes

At first glance, our toenails look like a single nail, and that's about it. However, beneath the surface is a more complex structure that makes up the nail and the bed below it. This is our toenail anatomy. Toenails and fingernails are made of Keratin. Keratin is a type of protein that gives the nail strength and protection. (There are many types of Keratin. It also comprises hair and your epidermis.) Toenails differ from fingernails in a few ways, namely their thickness and growth rate, as the external forces on your toenails are greater than those on your hands. Today, we explore toenail anatomy and how each component affects foot health. Layers of the toenail Nail plate The nail plate is the easiest part of the toenail anatomy to recognize. It's the nail itself. The colour and texture of the nail plate can vary based on factors like health, genetics, and lifestyle habits. Nail bed Next, we go a bit deeper. The nail bed is beneath the nail plate. Just like sheets and blankets are the nail plate, imagine the nail bed is the mattress or bed frame below. The nail bed is a layer of skin that nourishes the nail as it contains blood vessels and nerves. It is also the growth engine behind the nail plate. If you damage the nail bed, you'll notice nail plate abnormalities or reduced growth rates. Sometimes, a damaged nail bed will cause you to lose a toenail or experience a discoloured toenail. A subungual hematoma occurs within the nail bed and can cause a black toenail. Lunula The lunula, or "half-moon," is the pale, crescent-shaped area visible at the base of the nail. It represents the edge of the nail matrix, where new nail cells are generated. Eventually, nail growth from the lunula extends out to the outer edges of the nail, at which point you'd trim them. Nail matrix The nail matrix is the tissue beneath the cuticle at the base of the nail. It produces new nail cells, pushing older cells forward and resulting in nail growth. Damage to the nail matrix can affect the quality and growth rate of the toenail. Each nail matrix produces 196 layers of cells that combine to make your toenails.

Book Online

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!

Got questions? We're here to help.

Please fill out the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Share:

Stubbed Toe: What to Look Out For

Here are some signs to pay attention to:

How to Relieve a Stubbed Toe: Stubbed Toe Treatment

How Long Does a Stubbed Toe Take to Heal?

Trust the foot care experts!

About Author: Erica Halpern

Related Services & Conditions

Newsletter Signup

Related Posts

How to Treat and Prevent Athlete’s Foot: Tips from Chiropodists

Secondary Toenail: What It Is and How to Handle It

Tips For When Your Toenail Is on The Verge Of Falling Off

Hammertoes: Non-Surgical Solutions for Correcting Toe Deformities

Why You Shouldn’t Use Fingernail Clippers for Your Toenails

Toenail Anatomy: Understanding the Structure Beneath Your Toes

Book Online

Got questions? We're here to help.

Useful Links

About Us

Our Newsletter

Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)