What is the main difference between a toe fracture and a sprain?

Both Can Hurt: Both can create an equal amount of pain so x-rays are important to determine the extent and location of a fracture or break in the bone. Also an x-ray will determine if the break extends into or involves one or more joints. A dislocation would also need to be ruled out. A sprain is a stretching or tearing of a ligament. Both can hurt and can take 3 to 6 weeks to heal. Sometimes surgery is needed.

Bone vs soft tissue: A toe fracture means one of the bones are broken, a sprain is a tear or strain of the soft tissues such as tendons or ligaments.

You need an x-ray.: To find out if it is fractured or not, you will need to have it professionally evaluated. You will need x-rays taken to determine if it is broken or if it is just a bruise or sprain.