How long should I wait to see a doctor for a broken toe?

How long should I wait to see a doctor for a broken toe?

See a GP if:

pain and swelling has not started to ease 2 to 3 days after you injured your toe. it still hurts to walk 6 weeks after injuring your toe. you have diabetes and have injured your toe – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes.

Should I go to the doctor for a possible broken toe?

If you think you broke your toe, it’s best to have your doctor look at it. Even though you can often treat it yourself, a broken toe can sometimes lead to more serious problems, like infection, arthritis, or long-term foot pain.

How do I know if my toe injury is serious?

See a doctor if:

1. the toe is very swollen.
2. the pain is severe and does not go away after several hours.
3. it is difficult to walk or to put weight on the foot.
4. the toenail falls off or the area around it is very swollen.
5. there are signs of infection around the toenail, such as itching, redness, and pus.

How do I know if my toe is broken or just bruised?

How do I know if my toe is broken or just bruised? A bruise on the bone can feel similar to a break, Dr. King says. “The most obvious sign that it’s a fracture is if the painful toe is pointing in a different direction than your other toes.

Can you wiggle a broken toe?

Can you move a broken toe? “If you can still move it then it’s not broken.” – False. This is another harmful old wives’ tale. Although it may be possible to move and walk on your broken toe, you should avoid doing so as this can lead to even greater damage and prolonged healing time.

What will a doctor do for a broken toe?

Usually, you can treat a broken toe by taping it to a neighboring toe. But if the fracture is severe — particularly if it involves your big toe — you may need a cast or even surgery to ensure proper healing.

Can you wiggle your toe if it’s broken?

What happens if you leave a broken toe untreated?

Broken toes that don’t heal properly increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis or permanent nerve damage down the line. The right treatment with a foot and toe expert helps ensure your broken toe heals the right way so you can resume your normal activities without worrying about complications.

Can anything be done for a broken toe?

Should I tape my broken toe at night?

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.

How is a broken toe diagnosed?

Bruising of the skin around the toe may also be noticeable. The toe may not look normal, and it may even look bent or deformed if the broken bone is out of place. It may be difficult to walk because of the pain, especially if the big toe is fractured. Shoes may be painful to wear or feel too tight.

Do broken toes heal by themselves?

Most broken toes will heal on their own with proper care at home. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for complete healing. Most pain and swelling will go away within a few days to a week. If something was dropped on the toe, the area under the toenail can bruise.

Will walking on a broken toe make it worse?

Although it may be possible to move and walk on your broken toe, you should avoid doing so as this can lead to even greater damage and prolonged healing time.

How long should you stay off a broken toe?

How long does a broken toe take to heal?

1. 2-3 weeks in a walking boot or cast, then.
2. 3-4 weeks in a stiff-soled shoe.
3. Return to work and sport in 6-8 weeks is usual.

What will the doctor do for a broken toe?