Is it worth an x-ray if you think you’ve broken your toe?

[whitershadeofpale]

Just that really, looked online at various medical sites but getting conflicting information: some say to just tape to your next toe and leave it, others saying to always have it x-rayed and checked.

I stubbed my toe on the side of the bed last night, hurt like hell as I did it but got more painful as the evening went on with a shocking bruise coming out.

I kept it elevated all night and the swelling went down but as I’ve walked on it today to get to work (desk job) it’s got more painful, it’s not unbearable with ibruprofen but I can still feel the throb.

Which toe is it?

I think in general unless it's your big toe if it's not obviously splaying in wrong directions then just tape it up. There's not really much a hospital can do.

Can you move it?

It’s my second to little toe. Hurts to move.

You don't get to decide whether you can have an X-ray, unless you're a doctor or radiologist.

You could see a doctor who will decide whether it is worth referring you for an X-ray and the radiologist at the clinic/hospital will need to agree that you will benefit from the radiation dose you will receive.

I broke my little toes in the space of two weeks so I know the pain you are going through! I didn't have an x-ray. Just lots of ice to reduce the swelling, loose footwear and patience. Took about six months to wear a proper pair of shoes again 

Good luck!

If i hit my little toe i dont bother other then strapping not alot they can do. My mum recently did a number on hers even the dr was shocked but still all they could was strap it. I broke my big toe 3 months ago, and went for xray, again all they did was tape it. And sent me to hospital for a folllow up. Unless pointing in a werid way or you see bone. Or it litterly feels like it hanging off i wouldnt bother with a and e. Painkillers and ice are yoir best friends for the next few days

I do actually realise that @Barbara. But generally speaking x-ray just in case seems to be the default. So I suppose yes I am asking if it's worth seeing a doctor.

I’ve broken both little toes a few times. What helps me is to tape them to the next toe for a few weeks and eventually the pain and then the ache goes away. Not sure why toes are so painful

I definitely broke my little toe (horse stepped on it), it was tremendously swollen and black and deformed. I didn't bother going to the docs, just strapped up. Probably should have gone as its still hurts now 4 years later!!!

Painkillers and ice sounds like a good plan then, just wanted to be sure.

I had a lisfranc injury to the same foot a few years ago that still plays up if I walk a lot or do certain exercises. Really pissed off as I feel it hinders my life sometimes, so a bad toe is probably disproportionately annoying/ upsetting me.

No point. The ‘treatment’ is to have a couple of painkillers and keep walking on it as normal. They don’t X-ray unless it’s your big toe or twisted right round.

6-8 weeks recovery time, but it’ll be ok to walk on normally within around 2. Just don’t run.