TOE INJURY

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Injury Definition

Injury the skin or nail of the toe.
Injury to a bone, muscle, joint or ligament of the toe.

Types of Injuries

Cuts and Scratches: Superficial cuts (scratches) only extend partially through the skin and rarely become infected. Deep cuts (lacerations) go through the skin (dermis).
Abrasions or Scrapes: An area of superficial skin that has been scraped off. Commonly occurs on the knuckles.
Bruises: Bruises (contusions) result from a direct blow or a crushing injury; there is bleeding into the skin from damaged blood vessels without an overlying cut or abrasion.
Fractures (broken bones)
Dislocations (bone out of joint)
Jammed Toe: The end of a straightened toe receives a blow (usually from kicking something). The ligaments and tendons of the toe are stretched and torn.
Crushed Toe: This injury most often results from a heavy object falling on the toe. Usually the end of the toe receives a few cuts, a blood blister or a bruise. Sometimes the nail is damaged. A fracture of the bones inside the toe can occasionally occur.
Subungual Hematoma (blood under toenail): This medical term is applied when a blood clot forms under the toenail. It is caused by a crush injury to the tip of the toe. Some are only mildly painful and blood is typically under < 50% of nailbed. Others can be severely painful and throbbing, and these may need the pressure released to relieve pain. The pressure can be released by putting a small hole through the nail. With larger subungual hematomas, the toenail will usually fall off. A new nail will grow back in 6 to 12 weeks.
Torn Nail: From catching it on something.

When are Stitches Needed?

Any cut that is split open or gaping probably needs sutures (stitches). Cuts longer than 1/2 inch usually need sutures.
A physician should evaluate any open wound that may need sutures regardless of the time that has passed since the initial injury.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

ANIMAL BITE to toe
BURN of toe
SPLINTER OR SLIVER in toe
PUNCTURE WOUND to toe

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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