It sounds like you hit your toe really hard. Depending on how hard you hit it, there is a possibility that you damaged one of your nerves that services the toe. This can happen, though permanent damage is really unusual.

Similarly, can a stubbed toe cause nerve damage?

Stubbed toes can hurt a lot, even when the injury is not serious. This is because there are many nerves in the toe, including two nerves on either side. There is little fat to cushion the toes, which can intensify the pain and increase the risk of injuries such as bone bruises and fractures.

Additionally, can a broken toe cause other problems? A broken toe that doesn't heal properly could lead to osteoarthritis, a painful condition that causes chronic pain in one or more joints. Your doctor will examine your toe and ask for your medical history. Tell your doctor as many details as you can about the injury and your symptoms.

Beside above, how long does it take for a stubbed toe to heal?

Recovery. Your toe is likely to be tender and swollen, even after a few weeks. You'll likely need to avoid running, playing sports, or walking long distances for one to two months after your injury. Recovery time can be longer if the break is in one of the metatarsals.

Why is stubbing a toe so painful?

Stubbing your toe hurts so much because you're slamming a tiny surface with a force equal to 2-3 times your bodyweight. Then a bundle of nerve endings called nociceptors fire a danger signal to your brain.

Related Question Answers

What can happen to an untreated broken toe?

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.

Can you still move your toe if it's broken?

Can you move a broken toe? “If you can still move it then it's not broken.” – False. This is another harmful old wives' tale. Although it may be possible to move and walk on your broken toe, you should avoid doing so as this can lead to even greater damage and prolonged healing time.

How long does it take for the swelling to go down after breaking a toe?

This may be done either with or without surgery. Most broken toes will heal on their own with proper care at home. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for complete healing. Pain and swelling will go away within a few days to a week.

Can a sprained toe cause numbness?

Numbness. Pain that hasn't gone away after a couple of days. Inability to move your toe, or a limited range of motion. It hurts to put weight on your hurt foot or pain when walking.

Is my toe broken or dislocated?

Signs of a dislocated toe

bruising and swelling. crooked appearance. pain or difficulty moving the toe. severe pain (you may hear a snap or tearing sound)

Is it bad to walk on a sprained toe?

Rest. Avoid doing the activity that caused the sprain, such as running or playing sports. If it hurts to walk on the sprained toe, try to stay off the foot until it feels better.

What happens if you stub your toe and it turns purple?

When you stub your toe, it's normal to expect some bruising and even some blood under the toenail. But, if the discoloration lasts for a few days, if it spreads, or if it seems like there is too much blood under the nail, you might have a broken toe. Pay attention to the color too!

How do you know if you sprained your toe?

These may include bruising, pain in the exact area of the break, or a possible dislocation, which may accompany a fractured toe. A sprained toe may have more generalized pain in the surrounding area where the injury has occurred, although there may be considerable bruising.

What does a fractured toe look like?

Broken Toe Symptoms

Bruising of the skin around the toe may also be noticeable. The toe may not look normal, and it may even look bent or deformed if the broken bone is out of place. It may be difficult to walk because of the pain, especially if the big toe is fractured. Shoes may be painful to wear or feel too tight.

Do they put you in a boot for a broken toe?

A cast usually is not required for a simple toe fracture. A hard-soled, sturdy, and supportive shoe or boot should be worn. A doctor may give the patient a special shoe to wear if the foot or toes are very swollen.

How do you fix a broken pinky toe?

Treatment

1. Rest: Try to avoid putting weight on your foot or toe.
2. Ice: Use a cold pack (ice or ice pack wrapped in a moist cloth or towel) on your toe for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
3. Compression: Wrap a bandage around your toe.
4. Elevation: Rest with your foot raised up higher than your chest.

Can you move your toes with a broken metatarsal?

Acute metatarsal fracture

Broken bones bleed, so bruising and swelling can develop and you may have difficulty putting weight on the affected foot. Movement of your foot may also be limited. Surprisingly, however, pain can settle within a few hours.

What happens if a fracture is left untreated?

If untreated, the pain experienced from a fracture will likely worsen as time goes on. The main risk of an untreated fracture, however, is improper healing. This can result in visible deformities, misalignment, limited movement, and infection.

Can anything be done for a broken toe?

Usually, you can treat a broken toe by taping it to a neighboring toe. But if the fracture is severe — particularly if it involves your big toe — you may need a cast or even surgery to ensure proper healing.

Can you wiggle your toes with a broken foot?

Compound fractures are severe and require immediate medical attention. Loss of Mobility – If you can't say where any of them are broken, wiggle your fingers or toes. If doing so happens to be difficult or painful, you may have a break above that point. Intense Pain – Breaks are painful, especially under pressure.

What does a broken pinky toe look like?

Symptoms of a broken pinky toe

a snapping, grinding, or popping noise at the time of the break. pain at the place of impact at the time the fracture occurs. the toe appearing to be crooked. redness, bruising, and swelling.

How do you relieve toe pain?

How to ease toe pain yourself

1. rest and raise your foot when you can.
2. put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) in a towel on your toe for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
3. wear wide comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole.
4. take paracetamol.

What do you do when you hurt your toe?

Do

1. take ibuprofen and paracetamol for the pain and swelling.
2. rest your foot and keep it raised.
3. hold an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on your toe for up to 20 minutes every few hours.
4. wear wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel.
5. avoid walking around as much as possible.

Will your brain let you stub your toe?

Toes contain a whole bunch of nerve receptors that get struck by the blunt force on impact. “Each digit has two nerves, one on either side,” Dr. Botek says. “So no matter where you hit your toe or how you stub it, it's going to affect a nerve impulse from your toe to your brain.”

Why does stubbing your toe make you angry?

It's related to a hormone in your body that causes you to react (known as flight or fight). If you're angry about stubbing your toe, it's because your body is wired to warn you about the danger. Righteous anger is more delayed and sustained, and it's something that will come up frequently in the workplace.

Do toes have a lot of nerve endings?

Toes are loaded with numerous nerve-ending receptors called nociceptors that are highly sensitive to actual and potential tissue damage. “When you stub your toe, you're massively stimulating a bunch of these nerve fibers at the same time.