Toe, Foot, And Ankle Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

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Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Bleeding: Go to the topic Cuts or Scrapes.
• Puncture: Go to the topic Puncture Wounds.
• A toe, foot, or ankle problem not related to an injury: Go to the topic Toe, Foot, or Ankle Problems, Noninjury.
• An injured toenail or blood under a toenail: Go to the topic Nail Problems and Injuries.
• Bruises: Go to the topic Bruises.
• Frostbite: Go to the topic Cold Temperature Exposure.

Yes

Does your toe, foot, or ankle look twisted, bent out of shape, or out of its normal position?

Yes

Do you have pain or tenderness after an injury?

Yes

Has your toe, foot, or ankle turned pale, white, blue, or cold?

Yes

Do you have numbness or tingling in your injured toe, foot, or ankle?

Yes

Are you unable to move your toe, foot, or ankle normally?

Yes

Is your toe, foot, or ankle swollen after an injury?

Yes

Did you feel or hear a snap, pop, or grating in your toe, foot, or ankle?

Yes

Do you think an injury may have been caused by abuse?

Yes

Are you unable to free a trapped foot from an object, such as a pipe, toy, or jar?

Yes

Do you think you have an infection in your toe, foot, or ankle?

Yes

Is an object, such as a nail, embedded in your toe, foot, or ankle?

Yes

Is your foot or ankle bruised after your injury?

Yes

Do you know or think you need a tetanus shot?

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Last updated:	October 27, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Gavin W.G. Chalmers, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer