by having an x-ray. this is really the only way to know definitely if you have a fracture. if you see a good podiatrist many have their own x-ray machines and the expertise to determine if there may be a different non-fracture reason for your pain.
how do i know if i have a compression fracture in the joint at the base of my big toe. redness pain swelling after wearing shoes that became uncomfortably tight after standing for a long time. used ice elevation rest and treated for cellulitis though a blood test revealed normal white count. uric acid normal and gout was eliminated. after 2 rounds of z-pack. swelling has gone down redness gone but pain persists mostly in joint at base of my big toe. i can't put any shoe on and walking is painful as i try to roll my foot forward as in a normal gait.