Broken Toe

A broken toe can be uncomfortable, however you do not typically require to go to health center. There are things you can do to treat it in your home.

Check if you have a broken toe

You might have broken your toe if it’s:

• red or bruised
• uncomfortable and inflamed
• tough to stroll on

Do not fret if you’re unsure if it’s broken or simply bruised, treatment is typically the exact same for both.

Urgent guidance: Get guidance from 111 now if:

• you have a bad cut or injury after hurting your toe
• you have extreme discomfort
• it’s your kid that has actually harmed or broken their toe

You might require additional treatment in health center, such as a boot, cast or surgical treatment.

What we suggest by extreme discomfort

Severe discomfort:

• constantly there therefore bad it’s tough to believe or talk
• you can not sleep
• it’s extremely tough to move, rise, go to the restroom, wash or gown

Moderate discomfort:

• constantly there
• makes it tough to focus or sleep
• you can handle to get up, wash or gown

Mild discomfort:

• reoccurs
• is frustrating however does not stop you doing things like going to work

Immediate action needed: Go to A&E if:

• you believe you have actually broken your huge toe
• your toe is explaining at an odd angle
• the bone is standing out of your toe
• there was a breeze, grinding or popping sound at the time of injury
• you feel tingling in your toe or foot or it feels numb

What you can do about a broken toe

Doctors will typically recommend you deal with a broken toe in your home initially if:

• it’s not your huge toe
• the bone is not standing out of your foot
• your toe is not pointing at an odd angle
• there’s no injury on your toe

Broken toes typically recover within 4 to 6 weeks, however it can often take a number of months.

Do

• take ibuprofen and paracetamol for the discomfort and swelling
• rest your foot and keep it raised
• hold an ice bag (or bag of frozen peas) covered in a towel on your toe for approximately 20 minutes every couple of hours
• wear broad, comfy shoes with a low heel
• prevent walking as much as possible
• strap up your broken toe– put a little piece of cotton wool or gauze in between your aching toe and the toe beside it, then tape them together to support the aching toe

Don’t

• do not strap up your toe if it’s explaining at an odd angle or you have actually harmed your huge toe– get medical guidance
• do not put ice straight on your skin
• do not stroll or represent extended periods
• do not use tight, pointy shoes
• do not play any sports like football, rugby or hockey for 6 weeks or up until the discomfort alleviates
• do not attempt and treat your kid’s toe– take them to an immediate treatment centre or A&E

You can ask a pharmacist about:

• the very best pain reliever to take
• what you require to strap up your toe
• if you require to see a GP

Non-immediate guidance: See a GP if:

• the discomfort and swelling has actually not begun to relieve after 2 to 3 days
• it still harms to stroll on after 6 weeks
• you have diabetes– foot issues can be more major if you have diabetes

They might send you for an X-ray to see if you require any additional treatment.