Symptoms of a broken toe include: pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. 1. Prevent Swelling and Further Injury. Stay off the foot as much as possible. Avoid movement or pressure that causes pain. Apply ice up to 20 minutes at a time. Wrap it in a towel; do not apply directly to skin. Keep the foot elevated as often as possible, especially the first 2 days after injury, to help control pain and swelling. For pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).