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Symptom Checker

Toe Injuries in Children

A toe injury can affect the bone, joint, nail or soft tissues of the toe. It can cause pain, swelling, bruising or difficulty walking.

Stubbing the toe, dropping an object on the foot, sports and crushing injuries are common causes. Fractures, sprains, dislocations and nail injuries can all affect the toe.

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AAP Guide to Toe Injuries in Children

The AAP guide below explains home care and which toe injuries need an exam.

AAP Symptom CheckerToe injury

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Symptom CheckerToe injury New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • The toe looks crooked or out of place.
  • Your child cannot walk normally because of the pain.
  • The nail is badly injured or blood collects under most of the nail.
  • Swelling or pain is severe or not improving.
  • The toe becomes numb, pale or blue.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • The injury caused an open fracture, partial amputation or loss of circulation.
  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on knocks, pain and injuries

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms