How to know if i broke my toe?

X-ray: If painful and swollen, there may be a break. Need x-ray to help determine. See podiatrist and have it evaluated. Sometimes other radiographic studies are needed.

Radiograph: The gold standard for diagnosing a fracture is x-ray. A toe can "look broken" or "feel broken" or both and simply be badly sprained. Swelling can be significant and there may be even be bruising and yet, no fracture on x-ray. Of course, x-rays are not perfect, but pretty darn close compared to clinical examination. Get checked out, get a back of ice on there daily and let us know the outcome.