What should people do after they stub their toe?

Immediate Relief:

- Elevate the injured foot higher than the heart to help reduce swelling.

- Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel directly on the stubbed toe for 20 minutes, repeating every few hours as needed.

- Relieve pain by taking an over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

- If bleeding occurs, apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding.

Additional Tips:

- Avoid putting pressure or weight on the injured toe as much as possible.

- Keep the injured toe clean to prevent infection.

- Trim the toenail on the injured toe straight across to prevent ingrown nails, which can cause further pain.

- If the pain is severe or does not improve within a few days, see a doctor as it might be a broken toe or other underlying condition.

Preventing Future Stubbed Toes:

- Wear properly fitting shoes that provide adequate toe space.

- Be mindful of your surroundings and potential obstacles when walking.

- Avoid walking in low-light conditions where it's harder to see potential hazards.