How do you take care of a bruised toe that is not really swollen but has turned a dark reddish-purple color and is very sore?

* Ice it. Apply ice packs or immerse in ice water. Ice packs are 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off. Immersion is 5 minutes in - OR LESS IF IT BECOMES PAINFUL - the idea is not to freeze your foot.

You might also consider some ibuprofen - it works as an anti-inflammatory and as a painkiller.

If wearing shoes hurts the toe, try flip-flops, or anything that doesn't interfere with circulation to the toe. And make a point not to re-injure it (I didn't really have to tell you that, did I?). :}

* Ice it, as the previous answerer says, but do not take aspirin -- this would make the blood clot spread even more. Also, apply a warm cloth 48 hours after you get the bruise. While I clearly see the point of worrying about NSAIDs in dealing with clotting factors, and I rather enjoyed seeing the thought that went into the answer, I'd point out that: 1. From the description, this injury has completed clotting (at least after the icepacking) and NSAIDS won't reverse that unless there's a history of blood disgracias, and that pain control is a valid factor in these things. 2. And, while Aspirin wouldn't be a horrible choice, I'd recommend Ibuprofen instead, in most cases and where there is no history of liver disease. Good answer though, even if I don't completely agree! :}