How to Heal a Bruised Toenail Quickly

Beginner 1 hour 19 steps 13331 views Rating: 3.7/5 Published: 2026-04-14

Ice your toe for 10-20 minutes at a time.. Elevate your foot above the level of your heart whenever you're lying down.. Rest as much as you can to relieve pain and prevent further injuring your toe.

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Steps

1

Ice your toe for 10-20 minutes at a time.

Step 1

Ice your toe for 10-20 minutes at a time.

2

Elevate your foot above the level of your heart whenever you're lying down.

Step 2

Elevate your foot above the level of your heart whenever you're lying down.

3

Rest as much as you can to relieve pain and prevent further injuring your toe.

Step 3

Rest as much as you can to relieve pain and prevent further injuring your toe.

4

Apply heat for 15 minutes at a time after 48-72 hours.

Step 4

Apply heat for 15 minutes at a time after 48-72 hours.

5

Take an over-the-counter painkiller to ease some of the pain.

Step 5

Take an over-the-counter painkiller to ease some of the pain.

6

Leave it alone as much as possible and avoid constrictive footwear.

Step 6

Leave it alone as much as possible and avoid constrictive footwear.

7

Wash and bandage your toe if it's bleeding.

Step 7

Wash and bandage your toe if it's bleeding.

8

Drink at least 96  fl oz (2,800 mL) of water per day to stay hydrated.

Step 8

Drink at least 96  fl oz (2,800 mL) of water per day to stay hydrated.

9

Eat fruits and veggies rich in vitamin C to promote healing.

Step 9

Eat fruits and veggies rich in vitamin C to promote healing.

10

Use aloe vera gel to help the bruise go away faster.

Step 10

Use aloe vera gel to help the bruise go away faster.

11

Apply arnica gel to the bruise 3 times a day.

Step 11

Apply arnica gel to the bruise 3 times a day.

12

Assess your pain level to determine if your toe is broken.

Step 12

Assess your pain level to determine if your toe is broken.

13

Ask your doctor to drain the blood below the nail to relieve pressure.

Step 13

Ask your doctor to drain the blood below the nail to relieve pressure.

14

Ask your doctor to remove the nail if it's cracked or loose.

Step 14

Ask your doctor to remove the nail if it's cracked or loose.

15

Go to the emergency room or urgent care if you notice signs of an infection.

Step 15

Go to the emergency room or urgent care if you notice signs of an infection.

16

Trim your toenails regularly so there's only a small strip of white at the tip.

Step 16

Trim your toenails regularly so there's only a small strip of white at the tip.

17

Wear shoes that aren't too tight or loose in the toe box.

Step 17

Wear shoes that aren't too tight or loose in the toe box.

18

Use the right size socks made from synthetic fibers.

Step 18

Use the right size socks made from synthetic fibers.

19

Strike with your midfoot when you're walking or running downhill.

Step 19

Strike with your midfoot when you're walking or running downhill.

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