Possible broken toe here. Any advice?

[Elise]

Just over a day ago now I stubbed my toe really badly by somehow banging it into a small ledge really hard. It's the one next to my little toe. The initial impact was painful enough to make me scream uncontrollably for at least a minute. It swelled up pretty quickly so I elevated it and put it under ice for a bit shortly after the injury, which is apparently what you're meant to do.

The pain has subsided quite gradually and now feels kind of weird and not right but not really painful anymore unless I accidentally move it or put my weight on it. I can walk but still limp a tiny bit. The swelling hasn't gone down yet and while it's not crazy swollen, it is visibly bigger than the toe on my other foot. I can move it a bit but it won't bend at the top. When I try and keep my foot straight but bend the toes down, it will not move with the rest of the toes.

I don't know if it's actually broken because it's not that bruised, which I've heard is usually the case if it is. There is just a small bruise at the top of the toe and a reddish mark.

I'm just wondering if anyone has experience with broken toes and can give me advice on whether it could be broken/whether I should go to the doctor. I'm also wondering what I should do to help it heal.

 

[Ashtot]

I'll give you TBT Bells if you change your username.

 

[Beary]

Go to the doctor. Or urgent care.

- - - Post Merge - - -

I'll give you TBT Bells if you change your username.

ASHTOT. xD

 

[cIementine]

I think you should book a doctor's or hospital appointment :3

 

[Elise]

I'll give you TBT Bells if you change your username.

Why do you want me to change it?

 

[Cariad]

Why do you want me to change it?

he wants you to change it because alise wants to be called elise

 

[Elise]

That's interesting that everyone's saying to go to the doctor. My dad said that even if it is broken, you can't do that much for it so there's no point in going.

- - - Post Merge - - -

he wants you to change it because alise wants to be called elise

Well I've never thought about it before but my username isn't for sale. This is the first time I've ever got to use just my name with no underscores or numbers. Sorry.

 

[Beary]

You can get the doctor to instruct you on what to do, or give you a brace that'll keep it from hurting too much and will help it heal properly. Doctor is the best idea.

 

[FireNinja1]

I doubt it's broken. I've stubbed my toe badly before and it didn't end up being broken.

Also Ashtot, I don't think this is the best place to ask, however I did get a good laugh out of it.

 

[Cariad]

there are many bones in your feet, so you can operate with a broken one, but if it was a leg or arm, because the are less bones you can't operate so well.

I'd just keep an eye on it tbh.

 

[Elise]

You can get the doctor to instruct you on what to do, or give you a brace that'll keep it from hurting too much and will help it heal properly. Doctor is the best idea.

Okay, I think I will. Thanks for the advice. I don't think my family even take my injuries seriously anymore. I've had so many, though never any broken bones before now.

 

[Beary]

Okay, I think I will. Thanks for the advice. I don't think my family even take my injuries seriously anymore. I've had so many, though never any broken bones before now.

Even if it isn't broken, they can tell you what it is and how to fix it.

 

[Lady Timpani]

I don't have any experience with broken toes, but I do have experience with broken ankles/legs. I say, if you're really worried about it, go to the doctor.

 

[Ashtot]

Wait, did you really scream uncontrollably for 60 seconds? That seems pretty serious.

 

[BellGreen]

I would definitely go to the doctor's even if it's been healing. In the mean time, if you don't have a cast (or open-toe socks) you could just wear a comfy but snug sock so it can be more secure.

 

[Elise]

Wait, did you really scream uncontrollably for 60 seconds? That seems pretty serious.

That's how long it felt but it night have been less. I think it gradually went from screaming to more of a shout before I could actually calm myself. Also I have a very low pain tolerance and it's the worst pain I can remember experiencing, at least in a long time.

- - - Post Merge - - -

I would definitely go to the doctor's even if it's been healing. In the mean time, if you don't have a cast (or open-toe socks) you could just wear a comfy but snug sock so it can be more secure.

Yeah I've been wearing socks, partly to support it and also because I don't like looking at it. It is pretty swollen and I'm extremely squeamish.

 

[MozzarellaSticks]

There's not much to be done for broken and sprained toes. If it starts to look bad, changes color, swells, gets numb, or tingles definitely go see a doctor. If it just hurts then you can try buddy tapping, wrapping it with the nearby toe, to get it to stabilize and heal nicely. It might make walking easier, too.

I know I should say go to the doctor, but there's not much they can do unless it's really bad. You can see one so it heals in the correct position if it is broken. My mom actually has a wonky bent finger from the top knuckle up because she let her broken finger heal on it's own, but that was back when she was a kid in her home country.

 

[Oblivia]

I broke my toe last year, and I did go to urgent care even though I probably could have sufficed with at-home care. Here's what I did to expedite the healing process:

1. Buddy taping. This is essentially just taping the broken toe to the toe directly next to it. It helps keep the toe in a static position and allows to to heal in a more normal position (although mine is still crooked... )

2. Ice and elevation. Sounds like you've got this part down already, so definitely keep on it!

3. Wear a post-op shoe. They gave me this at the clinic, though you can purchase them from most medical supply stores, or even on Amazon (link here) These help keep the pressure off of the toe while you're walking and help ensure that you don't bang it on anything. They make you look like a doofus, but it was my saving grace for the 4+ days immediately following the break, since the swelling prevented me from wearing standard shoes.

4. Ibuprofen. Pain + swelling relief.

Anyway, you likely don't need to go to a doctor unless you notice extreme swelling, heat, or any other signs of infection. Just keep an eye on it and rest it as much as possible.

 

[Elise]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I'll see if it has improved tomorrow before deciding if I need to see a doctor