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Toe Trauma (Injury)

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 refers to 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 less than 50 % of the nailbed. . Others can be severely painful and throbbing, and 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.