Broken Toe

D.T.

So, I was at a buddy's house this morning, and while walking through his kitchen, I accidentally kicked a palette of Coca Cola. I'm pretty positive the pinky toe on my right foot is broken. It's swollen, a couple different shades of red and purple, and so on.

I've heard from other people who have broken their toes that there's pretty much no reason to go to the doctor, as all they can really do is say "Yeah, it's broken" and have me tape it up for a few weeks. Is this true, or should I go have it checked out?

It's not terribly painful, and I was able to work an eight hour shift today with only moderate discomfort. Can I just ice it, keep it elevated, buddy tape it and not worry about it?

Thanks.

Zombiemambo

Most people I know just wrap it up, make sure not to bang it up too much, and it should heal naturally. The doctor will confirm you've broken your toe and probably send you home, since there isn't much to do. Just take good care of it.

Falx

Yeah as long as it isn't pointing in the wrong direction, no need for a doctor even if it is broken. Tape it up and try not to bump it again for a month or so.

Echo

I probably broke two toes falling down a stair last year. Yeah, there's not really much to do about it but wait it out.

Sami

D.T. wrote: »

Just ice it, keep it elevated, buddy tape it and not worry about it.

You answered your own question.

Grid System

One time I broke my toe and went to the doctor. He put me into a cast up to my knee.

Arch Guru XX

I broke my big toe by slamming it hard into the floor while running barefoot. It sucked, but it never really occurred to me to go to the doctor. I was fully mobile and not in any significant pain as long as I didn't bump it into things. I couldn't fit it in my shoes for a week (maybe less), but it was summer and I wore sandals.

Don't hit it with anything and it'll be fine in a few weeks.

ddahcmai

Depending on how the bone in your toe is broken, there are three things a doctor will do.

1. Put your entire leg in a cast
2. Tell you to buddy tape it to the toe next to it
3. Tell you to do nothing to it at all.

Without seeing a doctor, you can't know which is best, and in some cases buddy taping can actually do more harm than good. If you want to be careful, of course you should see a doctor about it.