Soft tissue damage to foot more painful than a break?

[millmoo]

I’ve hurt my foot been to A and E twice. Told it’s soft tissue damage and severe bruising.
nurse said today that soft tissue damage is more painful than a break -anyone had any experience of this?

I’ve had both (several times, embarrassingly) and both equally painful, the only good thing about soft tissue damage is that it (generally) heals more quickly and is usually a less complicated recovery.

I had very painful soft tissue damage that took ages to heal. If you are not happy and the pain continues you might want to press for a scan?

Oh and I haven’t had a broken limb so I can’t compare the pain!

How long since the injury op? Have you seen a physio?

I would agree with the nurse the pain is worse. It can take longer to heal than a break not less time.

The injury was 8 days ago but pain and bruising getting worse. They wouldn’t re x-ray today but nurse said soft tissue damage more painful than a break and only offered painkillers. If I asked for a scan what would they be scanning for?

Hmm. Have they actually checked? I was in absolute agony with a foot problem which A&E told me was ligament damage.

In desperation I went to a private oestopath who could feel one of the small bones (cuboid?) was displaced, and put it back. The relief was instant. It was a bit sore for a couple more days while the area around it recovered but I could walk again instantly.

So they were right it wasn't broken but it wasn't soft tissue damage either.

Yes, I found that! And you get a lot less sympathy, and worse treatment from the NHS, in my experience.

Ah, I didn’t realise they already took an x-ray. That’s what I meant by scan.

PS .They did an ultra sound on my calf to confirm my soft tissue damage.

A scan would assess the soft tissue damage ie ligament tears in more detail than an xray shows. However as a sufferer of several sprained foot/ankle they get worse before they get better and good physio can really help. My worst took three months to recover.