What are the signs of a broken toe. How does a broken toe differ from a sprained toe. What treatments are available for a broken toe. How long does it take for a broken toe to heal. When should you seek medical attention for a toe injury.

Understanding Toe Injuries: Broken vs. Sprained

Toe injuries can be surprisingly painful and debilitating. Whether you’ve stubbed your toe on furniture or dropped something heavy on your foot, it’s crucial to determine the severity of the injury. Two common types of toe injuries are sprains and fractures. Let’s explore the key differences between these conditions to help you identify and seek appropriate treatment.

What is a Sprained Toe?

A sprained toe occurs when the ligaments surrounding the toe joint are stretched or torn. This injury can result from various activities or accidents.

• Stubbing the toe on furniture
• Sports injuries, especially in activities involving jumping
• Repetitive stress from activities like running or dancing
• Overextending the toe

Symptoms of a Sprained Toe

Recognizing the symptoms of a sprained toe can help you distinguish it from a more severe injury. Common signs include:

• Bruising around the affected area
• Swelling of the toe
• Pain when moving the toe
• Stiffness in the joint
• Tenderness to touch
• Throbbing sensation

Can you move a sprained toe? Generally, yes. While movement may cause discomfort, a sprained toe usually retains some range of motion. However, if there’s a significant tear in the ligament, mobility might be limited.

Identifying a Broken Toe: Key Symptoms and Signs

A broken toe, also known as a toe fracture, is a more severe injury involving a crack or break in the bone. Understanding the symptoms can help you determine if your injury requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

While a broken toe shares some symptoms with a sprain, there are distinct signs that indicate a fracture:

• Severe swelling
• Intense pain that persists for days
• Difficulty or inability to move the toe
• A cracking sound at the time of injury
• Discoloration (bluish-purple)
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Visible deformity
• Significant pain when walking or bearing weight

Can you move a broken toe? Unlike a sprained toe, a broken toe typically has little to no range of motion. Attempting to move a broken toe often results in severe pain.

Understanding Hairline Fractures

Not all broken toes result from sudden trauma. Stress fractures, also known as hairline fractures, can occur due to repetitive motion or prolonged stress on the toe.

Symptoms of a hairline fracture include:

• Swelling without bruising
• Pain during specific activities
• Pain that subsides with rest

Causes and Risk Factors for Toe Injuries

Understanding the causes and risk factors for toe injuries can help you take preventive measures and recognize when you might be at higher risk.

Common Causes of Toe Injuries

• Stubbing the toe on hard objects
• Dropping heavy items on the foot
• Sports-related impacts or collisions
• Falls or accidents
• Repetitive stress from activities like running or dancing

Risk Factors for Toe Fractures

Certain factors can increase your likelihood of experiencing a toe fracture:

• Participation in high-impact sports
• Wearing inadequate footwear
• Osteoporosis or weakened bones
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Poor nutrition
• Occupations requiring heavy lifting or prolonged standing

Diagnosing Toe Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention

While minor toe injuries can often be treated at home, certain symptoms warrant professional medical evaluation.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with home treatment
• Inability to bear weight on the affected foot
• Visible deformity of the toe
• Numbness or tingling that persists
• Signs of infection (redness, warmth, fever)
• Pain that interferes with daily activities for more than a few days

Diagnostic Procedures

To accurately diagnose a toe injury, a healthcare provider may use the following methods:

• Physical examination
• X-rays to identify fractures
• CT scan or MRI for more detailed imaging
• Ultrasound to assess soft tissue damage

Treatment Options for Broken Toes

The treatment for a broken toe depends on the severity and location of the fracture. Here are some common approaches:

Conservative Treatment

For minor fractures, conservative treatment may be sufficient:

• Rest and elevation of the affected foot
• Ice therapy to reduce swelling
• Compression with a bandage
• Buddy taping (taping the injured toe to an adjacent healthy toe)
• Wearing stiff-soled shoes or a special boot

Medical Interventions

More severe fractures may require additional treatment:

• Reduction (realignment of the bone)
• Casting or splinting
• Pain medication
• Surgery in rare cases (e.g., compound fractures)

Recovery and Rehabilitation for Toe Injuries

Proper recovery and rehabilitation are crucial for regaining full function of the injured toe and preventing complications.

Expected Recovery Time

How long does it take for a broken toe to heal? The healing time for a broken toe varies depending on the severity of the fracture and the individual’s overall health. Generally, you can expect:

• 4-6 weeks for minor fractures
• 6-8 weeks for more severe fractures
• Several months for full recovery and return to high-impact activities

Rehabilitation Exercises

As the toe heals, your doctor may recommend exercises to improve strength and flexibility:

• Toe curls and stretches
• Marble pickup exercises
• Towel scrunches
• Gentle range of motion exercises

Preventing Toe Injuries: Tips and Best Practices

Taking proactive measures can significantly reduce your risk of toe injuries. Consider the following tips:

Footwear Recommendations

• Wear properly fitting shoes with adequate toe room
• Choose shoes appropriate for your activities
• Use steel-toed boots in high-risk work environments
• Avoid walking barefoot, especially on hard surfaces

Lifestyle and Exercise Considerations

• Gradually increase intensity in sports and exercise routines
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Practice proper form and technique in sports
• Keep living spaces free of clutter to prevent tripping

By understanding the differences between sprained and broken toes, recognizing symptoms, and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can ensure proper care for toe injuries. Remember, while many toe injuries can be managed at home, severe pain, deformity, or persistent symptoms warrant professional evaluation. With appropriate treatment and care, most toe injuries heal successfully, allowing you to return to your normal activities pain-free.

Causes, Symptoms & How to Treat

• Foot and Ankle

10/12/2018

Do you know how many nerve endings are in your toes? Chances are, you don’t think much about them until you stub one on a coffee table or drop a heavy item on it. It’s a painful reminder; one that makes you wonder how it’s possible for such a minor injury to cause such agony.

Because the pain from a toe injury can be so intense, sometimes it’s hard to know whether you sprained your toe or if you’ve actually fractured it.

Below is a comparison of symptoms between a sprained toe and a broken toe, to help differentiate one from the other. Please note that such an overview is for informational purposes only and that you should always seek medical attention when you’ve experienced a serious injury.

Sprained Big Toe vs. Broken Big Toe: What’s the Difference?

When a person stubs a toe, they may suffer an injury to the tendons around their toe bones. If the injury is minor, icing it, resting, and over-the-counter painkillers may make you feel better. However, sometimes, the injuries are more severe and require medical attention.

Broken Toe Symptoms vs Sprained Toe Symptoms

Let’s compare the symptoms of broken and sprained toes and go over how to tell the difference between them so you can get the right treatment.

If you haven’t seen a doctor yet, examine the symptoms below to determine if your toe may be broken or sprained. You’ll find the different symptoms in bold.

How to Tell If Your Toe is Sprained

Sprained Toe Causes

Sprained toes may happen by a lot more than stubbing it on furniture or a wall corner. Sprained toes can happen both by a specific injury or by repeated stress, such as:

• Running
• Sports that require frequent jumping
• Certain types of competitive dancing
• Gymnastics
• Putting too much stress on your feet
• Ballet dancing

Sprained Toe Symptoms

Some of the most commons symptoms are:

• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Pain while moving your toe
• Painful mobility
• Throbbing

Can You Move a Sprained Toe?

Generally speaking, yes, a person could move a sprained toe. However, said movement may cause additional pain.

If there’s a tear in a ligament, mobility may be limited. The ligaments may have slight bruising, yet remain functional; or they may have a tear, which will affect the mobility of your toe and its ability to put weight on it.

How to Tell If You Broke Your Toe (Broken Toe Symptoms)

With a broken toe, a person will experience the same discomforts as with a sprained toe:

• Tenderness
• Throbbing
• Bruising
• Swelling

If your toe is broken, you’ll also notice the following :

• Significant swelling in the toe
• Stiffness
• Decreased mobility
• Burning or tingling
• Bleeding
• Numbness
• Pain that hasn’t gone away after a couple of days
• Inability to move your toe, or a limited range of motion
• It hurts to put weight on your hurt foot or pain when walking
• A cracking sound at the time of injury
• Toe changes color to bluish-purple

It’s important to note that just as with sprained toes, a fracture can occur in the absence of trauma. Stress fractures could occur as a result of repetitive movement, regularly carrying heavy loads, a vitamin D deficiency, poor nutrition, or osteoporosis.

Can You Move a Broken Toe?

A broken toe will have little to no movement.

Broken Toe Hairline Fractures

That said, not all broken toes are the result of trauma. Sometimes, repetitive motion and stress to your toes may cause what’s called a stress fracture, also known as a hairline fracture.

Stress fractures can occur as a result of extended periods of time doing repetitive motions, such as long distance running or gymnastics. This type of injury is especially common in sports. Wearing the right shoes usually offers additional support to keep your feet safe.

Be aware that it may also be the result of carrying heavy loads for extended periods of time or not eating foods with enough Vitamin D or Calcium. If you are working with heavy objects, closed-toed shoes are essential in protecting your feet.

Symptoms of Hairline Toe Fractures

Some of the symptoms include:

• Swelling (but no bruising)
• Pain when doing the repetitive activity
• The pain subsides when resting

What Happens When a Broken Toe Is Left Untreated?

When a person breaks their toe, there’s an actual crack in their bone. When left untreated, you may end up with a deformed toe, chronic pain, or post-traumatic arthritis.

What Happens When a Dislocated Toe Is Left Untreated?

Even if you didn’t break a toe, you may have dislocated it. Left untreated, you may end up with painful bone spurs or a hammertoe.

How to Tell The Difference Between a Fractured and a Sprained Toe?

The critical difference between a broken and sprained toe is in the mobility of the toe. A broken toe will have little to no movement while a sprained toe will still have some mobility, although it may be painful. If you’re unable to move your toe, it may be broken.

Foot Pain Relief

If you are experiencing pain in your toes from an injury, the following tips can offer relief and lend support.

Rest: Avoid exercise and movement to keep from further discomfort.

Elevate: Keep your foot elevated to reduce swelling.

Ice: Applying ice every 10-20 minutes will help with inflammation.

Request an Appointment at The Orthopedic Clinic Today

At The Orthopedic Clinic, we want you to live your life in full motion. If you’re experiencing symptoms related to a sprained or broken toe, let us help you. We’ll tailor a treatment plan that’s best for your lifestyle and get you back to doing the things you love.

Call us at (386) 255-4596 to schedule an appointment.

Broken Toe | Kaiser Permanente

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Condition Basics

What is a broken toe?

A broken toe is a break, or fracture, in a bone of your toe. A fracture can range from a hairline crack in the bone to the bone being broken into two or more pieces that no longer line up correctly.

What causes a broken toe?

You may break (fracture) one of your toes by stubbing it, dropping something on it, or bending it. A hairline crack (stress fracture) may occur after a sudden increase in activity, such as increased running or walking.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of a broken toe may include pain when you move your toe. You may have noticed a snap or pop at the time of injury. There may be swelling and bruising. The toe may also be in a different position than normal.

How is it diagnosed?

A broken toe is diagnosed through a physical examination. Your health professional will look for swelling, purple or black and blue spots, and tenderness. An X-ray may be needed to determine whether the toe is broken or dislocated.

How is a broken toe treated?

Some broken toes can be cared for at home. Try using ice, elevating the foot, and resting.

Treatment depends on which toe is broken, where in the toe the break is, and how bad the break is. Medical treatment is needed more often for a broken big toe than for the other toes. If you don’t have diabetes or peripheral arterial disease, your toe can be buddy-taped to the healthy toe next to it. Put some soft padding, such as felt or foam, between your toes before you tape them together. This helps protect the skin. Your injured toe may need to be buddy-taped for 2 to 4 weeks to heal. If your injured toe hurts more after buddy taping it, take the tape off.

Other treatment may be needed. Your doctor may recommend:

• Wearing a splint or cast to keep the toe stable and help it heal.
• Surgery. This may be an option for a bad break.

A fracture that isn’t treated may cause long-term pain, limited movement, and deformity.

How can you care for your broken toe?

• If your toe is taped to the toe next to it, your doctor has shown you how to change the tape. Protect the skin by putting something soft, such as felt or foam, between your toes before you tape them together. Never tape the toes together skin-to-skin. Your broken toe may need to be buddy-taped for 2 to 4 weeks to heal.
• Rest and protect your toe. Do not walk on it until you can do so without too much pain. If the doctor has told you to use crutches, use them as instructed.
• Put ice or a cold pack on your toe for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• Prop up your foot on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
• Make sure you go to your follow-up appointments. Your doctor will need to check that your toe is healing right.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.

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  Related Information

Characteristic Symptoms of Broken Fingers, Diagnostic Methods

Fingers in the human body are located in such a way that they are most prone to various types of traumatic injuries. Given the fact that the symptoms of a broken finger are pronounced and quite simple even for the naked eye, in almost all cases, contacting a qualified specialist is timely and therefore minimizes the negative consequences for the health of the victim.

Photo: Symptomatic manifestations of impaired integrity of the fingers of the upper limb

What do you need to know about this injury?

Most often, such an injury is distinguished by causes related to the daily activities of a person. At the same time, the fingers do not differ in large sizes, a violation of the bone integrity of the phalanges of the fingers can knock a person out of his usual rut.

This feature is due to the fact that broken fingers or toes significantly limit the patient in performing even the simplest work. Basically, the ability to work after such an injury is restored within a few months, since it all depends on the severity of the injury, the presence of concomitant pathologies, as well as the timeliness of the victim seeking qualified medical help from a doctor at an emergency room or the nearest medical facility.

Seeing a doctor if a finger fracture is suspected is a must, as this can lead to malalignment of the bone tissue, which can leave the limb partially or completely non-functional for life. The most serious of its possible consequences is damage to the thumb: as indicated in the video in this article, since it takes the brunt of the load when a person performs most of the various manipulations in everyday life.

The anatomical structure of the human hand allows it to be multifunctional. Thanks to the unique connection of twenty-seven bones, mobile joints are formed that can bend or unbend the injured arm.

In turn, each finger is a connection of three small bones, which in anatomy are called phalanges. The exception is the thumb, which consists of only two phalanges.

In traumatology, the instruction identifies a special classification of the above injury, which depends on the anatomical features. Depending on the condition of the skin, the violation of bone integrity can be closed or open. In the predominant number of clinical cases, closed injuries are more common.

The number of bone fragments as a characteristic for the classification of the above fracture is the main factor for determining:

• unicomminuted;
• multi-splintered or crushed;
• shatterproof.

Various types of damaged fingers according to the classification of injuries

The location of the bone elements allows you to determine the presence or absence of a displacement that has occurred. If available, a diagnostic x-ray can be used to set the offset at an angle, lateral, in width or length.

In addition, the displacement can be rotational. The most pronounced are the symptoms of a displaced finger fracture, since the injured finger is apparently deformed.

At the same time, the fracture line is the basis for determining the injury, as:

• oblique;
• longitudinal;
• helical;
• transverse;
• T-shaped.

Based on the location of the fracture that occurred, the problem can be located near, inside or outside the joint.

Symptoms and diagnosis of finger fractures

Maximum attention should be paid if symptoms of a finger fracture occur when the thumb is damaged. Possessing two phalanges, it leads both in the prevalence of its injury, and in the number of functions important for normal human life. Quite often, such a fracture is accompanied by a dislocation, since it is provoked by excessive reverse extension.

The nail phalanx can be broken as a result of the fact that a person violates the safety rules, using a sledgehammer, a pressing apparatus or a hammer for work purposes. Such clinical cases are characterized by massive fragmentation of bone tissue and a significant rupture of the skin at the site of the impact.

It should be noted that such injuries are often accompanied by infection of the human body. All symptoms of finger fractures are divided into probable and reliable, which depends mainly on the mechanism of the damage that has occurred, the severity and the presence of concomitant pathologies in the patient’s body.

To suspect and determine the integrity of the fingers of the upper or lower limb, both probable and reliable symptomatic manifestations of the fracture that has occurred should be taken into account:

Probable symptomatic signs	Significant manifestations of finger fracture
Soreness appears immediately after receiving a blow and does not go away on its own. Strengthening is characteristic of attempts to move the injured area. Peculiarities of pain syndrome in injuries of fingers on the hand	The casualty develops unusual or abnormal mobility. To check for its presence, it is recommended to be extremely careful because of the risk of damage to underlying tissues.
Immediately after the injury, swelling develops intensively, which in its essence is an inflammatory reaction to a blow. Swelling can also be triggered by a hematoma that begins to collect under the skin as a result of exposure to the bone of the phalanx of the finger. Formation of hematomas and swelling at the site of the received fracture of the phalanx of the finger	The patient may complain of bony crepitus. The check is also carried out with caution: for this purpose, the injured finger is fixed below and above the place of the blow received, after which you can try to move it to the sides. The presence of a crunch confirms the suspected fracture. It should be noted that the doctor should check this symptom to avoid additional pathologies and increase the pain syndrome. Verification of reliable symptomatic signs to determine the diagnosis of a fracture
Visible is a deformity that indicates the displacement of bone fragments. Causes of finger deformity in violation of its bone integrity
Impaired functionality is associated primarily with a significant increase in pain. Even light attempts to move the injured finger become almost impossible due to the sharp pain. Main consequences of contusion of the finger of the upper limb

It is necessary to distinguish the symptoms of a fracture of the middle finger on the hand from its simple contusion, since they are quite similar to each other. From an anatomical point of view, the bruise does not damage the bone tissue, but only extends to the adjacent soft tissues of the injured finger.

Based on clinical signs, it is quite easy to understand which of the two possible types of injury has occurred:

• bruising is characterized by constant painful sensations even in cases where the victim fixes the injured limb and completely restricts himself in finger movements;
• injured soft tissues in case of finger bruises do not swell or tissue swelling remains minimal and mild.

At the same time, the symptoms of a broken finger or toe will be much more pronounced:

• the slightest attempts to move significantly and sharply increase the pain syndrome;
• puffiness and hematomas under the skin occur instantly, quickly spreading to most of the bone tissue;
• An open injury is defined as bone fragments that are visible in an open wound due to a skin tear that has occurred.

Diagnostic confirmation of impaired bone integrity of the finger is carried out using modern radiological methods. The most common in this case is an x-ray, which must be taken as prescribed by a doctor in two projections at once: direct and lateral.

In addition to the fact that a fracture has occurred, radiography is necessary for the exact localization and nature of the displaced bone fragments due to the trauma.

Benefits of radiographic diagnostic testing for finger injuries

Particularly severe clinical cases of broken fingers require a CT scan of the hand. Compared to an x-ray, here the specialist receives more accurate information to prevent defects in the bone tissue and the musculoskeletal system.

How to help, heal and restore a broken finger

As soon as such an injury is received, which can lead to a violation of the bone integrity of the phalanx of the fingers or toes, the patient should seek qualified help at the nearest emergency room or medical facility as soon as possible. Despite this, even before being examined by a doctor, the victim must be given first aid.

First pre-hospital care for a victim with suspected finger fracture

First aid in case of suspected fracture of the finger consists of the following measures:

• fixation: it helps to prevent the possible risk of repeated displacement of the bone elements during the transportation of the victim. To do this, you can use any improvised means with a rigid base to maintain the correct shape of the injured finger;
• wound toilet: carried out in case of an open fracture of the finger and involves the use of a clean bandage and antiseptic. This will protect the victim from the risk of infection of the wound;
• pain relief: the use of anti-inflammatory tablets is recommended.

It is worth noting that severe symptoms of a fracture of the little finger on the hand may require surgical treatment, although the broken integrity of the bone of the phalanx of the finger is generally well amenable to conservative methods of treatment.

As in one case, so in the second case, the treatment includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They can be presented as tablets, intramuscular or intravenous injections.

Their use allows:

• to reduce the inflammatory process in the human body;
• relieve swelling of damaged soft tissues;
• eliminate pain syndrome.

More attractive is the price of conservative treatment methods, since it involves a closed reposition (“assembly”) of bone fragments and their further immobilization.

A broken finger can be fixed by attaching it to a healthy adjacent finger. In traumatology, plaster bandages and special fixators (orthoses) are considered effective immobilizers for the finger.

Features of choosing and wearing an orthosis for maximum fixation of a broken finger

In case of surgical intervention (especially with multiple damage to the hand), metal osteosynthesis is used, during which bone fragments are fastened together using special metal structures: knitting needles, plates or screws.

Thanks to the developments in the modern orthopedic industry, a variety of special devices can be offered for patients with a broken finger to fix the finger after an injury. An orthosis is considered the most reliable, since it is able to completely limit the area of ​​damage from the slightest movements and thereby contribute to faster healing of the limb and minimize pain.

Its structure is based on the use of fabric, metal and hygienic plastic. For this reason, wearing or removing an orthosis, if necessary, is not difficult. This advantage makes the orthosis more applicable than gypsum.

Timing of restoration of the bone integrity of the finger depends on the severity and the applied method of treatment of the injury. If there is a fracture in a closed form without displaced bone fragments, immobilization is limited to two to three weeks.

As early as the fourth week, a person’s ability to work is fully restored. With a multi-comminuted injury with displaced bone elements, the patient will have to rehabilitate for at least a month. At the same time, full recovery is possible only within two months.

After surgery with the implantation of metal structures, full rehabilitation should be expected no earlier than one and a half to two months. Depending on the age category of the patient, the rehabilitation period may be longer (especially for elderly patients).

Timing of fusion of a broken bone of the finger and restoration of its mobility after an injury

Prolonged forced immobilization can significantly reduce muscle tone. For this reason, recovery procedures should be treated really responsibly.

After a two-week treatment, the doctor prescribes physiotherapeutic procedures, including:

• ultra-high-frequency therapy, which accelerates regenerative processes, reduces inflammation and pain;
• salt-soda warm baths to reduce the threshold of sensitivity to pain, improve local blood circulation and relax muscle tissue;
• ozocerite applications or applications with mountain wax, which allows you to strongly warm up the tissues and promote effective regeneration.

No less recommended are the procedures of massage, magnetotherapy, mechanotherapy, mud therapy, interference currents and ultrasound with the use of hydrocortisone. With regard to food during rehabilitation, patients are advised to increase the amount of foods with calcium (for example, fermented milk foods).

Efficiency of rehabilitation methods for restoring a broken finger

Therapeutic gymnastics is mandatory for the ability to fully restore the integrity and mobility of an injured finger. The complex of all exercises should be prescribed exclusively by a qualified specialist.

First, you need to rub the hands well apart to increase local blood flow, and then make rotational movements clockwise and counterclockwise. Exercises to improve fine motor skills are considered effective: sorting through cereals, typing on the keyboard, collecting matches or puzzles. It is better to develop a finger after a fracture using an expander.

Delayed treatment or independent attempts to treat a finger fracture that has occurred can lead to:

• osteomyelitis with pus and the risk of bone destruction in the human body;
• deformities due to improper fusion of bone fragments;
• ankylosis, which is the main reason for the inability to move joints due to bone replacement;
• the formation of a false joint, as a result of which the finger can be bent in a place where it should not be (provoked by insufficient immobilization).

If Touch ID doesn’t work on iPhone or iPad

Learn what to do if you can’t unlock your iOS device with Touch ID, you can’t enroll your fingerprint, or you’re prompted to enter your passcode.

Where is the Touch ID sensor located?

The Touch ID sensor is in the Home button, and on iPad mini (6th generation) and iPad Air (4th and 5th generation) it is in the top button. By following the steps below, you will see on-screen information about which button to use. If you’re not sure, check out the iPad buttons.

Do the following. Try using Touch ID after each step.

1. Make sure your device is running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
2. Make sure the Touch ID sensor and your fingers are dry and clean*. Wipe dirt and debris off the Touch ID sensor with a clean, lint-free cloth.
3. Your finger should completely cover the Touch ID sensor by touching the metal rim surrounding it. A quick tap or swipe of your finger makes it difficult to scan with Touch ID.
4. If you are using a protective case or screen protector, make sure it does not cover the Touch ID sensor and bezel.
5. Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode and make sure iPhone Unlock or iTunes & App Store is turned on and you have enrolled at least one fingerprint.
6. Try enrolling another fingerprint.

Couldn’t fix the problem?

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, the message “Unable to complete Touch ID setup” appears or one of the following occurs when you go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode, take your device to an Apple Retail Store, or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact Apple Support.

• Unable to enable Touch ID.
• Touch ID is greyed out or inactive.

If you need a password

You may need to enter your password or Apple ID instead of using Touch ID in one of the following situations.

• You have just rebooted your device.
• The fingerprint was not recognized five times in a row.