Broken toe woe

June 6, 2015 5:22 AM

On the medwebs, you're told to seek immediate treatment if skin around a probably broken toe has turned blue or grey. Why is this -- what does it signify that is different from the bruising?
posted by third rail to Health & Fitness (2 answers total)

Best answer: Necrosis due to lack of blood flow. The swelling from the break is blocking blood flow to the toe.
posted by srboisvert at 5:26 AM on June 6, 2015 [8 favorites]

Best answer: A loss of circulation. If it is swollen/hot red-blue bruising, circulation is fine, if cold, grey, dark blue, your toe might be dying.
posted by Elysum at 5:27 AM on June 6, 2015 [3 favorites]