Stubbing your toe hurts so much because you're slamming a tiny surface with a force equal to 2-3 times your bodyweight. Then a bundle of nerve endings called nociceptors fire a danger signal to your brain.
How do you stop a stubbed toe from hurting?
Home treatments for a stubbed toe
- Rest. Stop using your toe, lie down, and let your body recover.
- Ice. Use ice to numb the pain and reduce swelling. ...
- Compression. Wrap your toe, or the entire end of your foot and toes, with an elastic bandage to provide support and keep swelling under control.
- Elevation.
How bad does it hurt to stub your toe?
Stubbed toes can hurt a lot, even when the injury is not serious. This is because there are many nerves in the toe, including two nerves on either side. There is little fat to cushion the toes, which can intensify the pain and increase the risk of injuries such as bone bruises and fractures.
