Mumsnet Talk

About half an hour ago I a glass plate fell edge down onto my big toe from above my head.

I can't move my toe which is now discoloured on one edge and I can't touch it. I've taken some paracetamol and am trying desperately not to cry because of the pain.

Is there anything else I can do to help until DH comes home in a couple of hours? Didn't know if heat or ice would help or if I should strap it or raise it up??

Thank you

I think ice would help, but wrap the ice first so you don't get an ice burn.

If you think it might be broken then get it x rayed to make sure the joint isn't affected. Other toes aren't so much of a problem but a big toe should be x rayed.

Thanks Viva, will get some ice on it now and if it still hurts when DH comes home I'll get him to take me for an x ray.

Thanks again.

Even if you get an x-ray and they confirm it is broken, there is not a right lot they can do about it. My BIL broke his toe at our house last year (he's a male nurse) and although he was in a lot of pain and his toe swelled to twice the normal size, he pooh poohed the idea of hospital as he knew he'd end up being sent home with a prescription for painkillers.

It will get worse before it gets better but the pain will ease after a couple of days, the swelling will be ok and you'll be back on your feet.

Put your foot up, an ice pack will help and take an anti-inflammatory and painkillers. Use this as an excuse to have them running around YOU for a change

Thanks Rhubarb, the boys running round after me for a change sounds like a good idea

A badly broken toe might mean arthritis in that joint such as you might get if you had a bunion, but I don't think yours sounds badly broken and I might be wrong here, but again I don't think they could necessarily do anything anyway, I mean they can't put a pin in your toe can they?

I'm no expert but I broke my big toe and the nurse said it was important to xray as if it was in the joint it might need an operation as it was the big toe. As it turned out it wasn't at the joint and was just strapped.

I broke my little toe walking past a chair.

<barf warning> I looked down and it was sticking out at 90 degrees to its usual position. It was broken and dislocated. Some sadist lovely nurse snapped eased it back into the correct position and sent me on my way. No splint no nuffing. Was all fine in a couple of weeks.

V painful at first but will fix.

From teh mayoclinc website;

In most cases, a broken toe can be immobilized 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 that your broken toe heals properly.

Raise, Ice, Compression, Elevate...

I know the drill because I have broken a few (very clumsy!). I don't think there is a huge amount they can do with a broken toe. Try to keep off it as much as you can and be aware that of you are walking around a lot, wear comfy shoes as it may swell up.

My mum's broken her toe twice, and my DD broke and dislocated hers last year. Every time it was simply taped to the next toe and they were sent home and told to take paracetamol. But a big toe is different; it's used much more for balance and does need x-raying if you suspect it might be broken.

If nothing else, a trip to A&E will justify you sitting down getting waited on for a couple of days!

Apologies for the delay in responding. I spent Tuesday night with ice on the foot and it elevated (good excuse to sit on the sofa!!). Went to see the GP Wednesday morning for a routine appt and she took one look and sent m to A&E.

It turns out after an xray that nothing is broken but the pain was caused due to blood behind my toenail which had nowhere to go. They drilled through my nail and the blood squirted out . My toe was bandaged and foot strapped for support. The pain eased immediately and I was told to rest and elevate for a few days.

Definately on the mend now but had to wear slippers for a few days because I could not get my shoe on

Thanks everyone for the replies an advice.