I can't bend my big toe down... What have I done to myself?

[headfairy]

Three weeks ago I went over on my ankle, I missed a step and bent it quite sharply. I went to the GP last week as I was still in pain and he said there wasn't any injury and it would take about 6 weeks to be pain free. I do have some swelling still (which he saw) but again he said that would take about 6 weeks for it to go down.

I'm still in pain, and just occasionally I'll move in a particular way and the pain is really sharp but I noticed today I really cannot move the big toe downwards one inch. Is that a sign that I've done something the GP missed. He was quite dismissive of me so I really don't want to go back if it's completely normal to lose the movement in a toe after an injury like this.

It takes ages for ankle injuries to calm down. I sprained mine badly last Jan and it was still swollen in July! The Dr mentioned a tendon that goes from the ankle to the toes, although I thought it was to the second and third... that might just be because those were the ones that were affected on me. If you're still concerned, I'd go back, but gel heel pads helped me a lot.

As someone that has had a sprained ankle myself and is now struggling with another foot injury,(see mortons neuroma thread), my advice would be if you're at all worried see the doctor again. Maybe a different one if the other was dismissive.

IME it takes a long time to get things moving re appointments. You may need to get referred to a podiatrist or have physio.

In the meantime don't do too much and take anti-inflammatory painkillers.

HTH

Thanks for the replies. The GP told me to avoid taking ibuprofen for longer than a few days because it can upset the stomach, but he told me to use ibuprofen gel. I must get some! I wonder if there's actually an injury or if the swelling is preventing full movement. It's so odd because as hard as I try I cannot bend my toe. The arch of my foot really aches too. Who knew a simple twisted ankle would last so long.