Can you tell if a toe is broken without an x-ray?

[MrsHarryRamsden]

My ds has just run the living room door over his big toe and it is already very bruised/bloody looking. At the very least i think he will lose his toe nail.

He says its very sore (obviously!) and I have compared the sore and normal toe and it looks swollen so he has an ice pack on now.

Can i tell if its broken just by him trying to wiggle it? He can't wiggle it much btw

If it is broken, is there any treatment or do the docs just splint it to the next toe or leave well alone?

Sorry for all the questions and thanks in advance!

Big toes are useful for balance, so Doctors want to know if broken so can treat appropriately. If he is concerned, then go to your minor injuries unit if you have one near.
Sounds sore!

My a and e only x rays and treats big toes

Ah it is a big one. Worth a trip

Radiographer here. I would take him to A and E. Wer're not so bothered about other toes but the big toe is more important especially if fractured through the growth plate.

It's a bit of a myth that if you can wiggle something it's not broken

Ok thanks all for the advice. we dont have a minor injuries unit (i dont think) so i guess it will have to be a&e. i can't get there tonight so am hoping no harm will come of it if we wait til the morning?

I broke my little toe on Monday and minor injuries x-rayed that! It was, however, pointing 45 degrees in the opposite direction to my foot!!

Having said that all they could do was 'tease' it back into place and strap it.

Definitely go get it checked out.

Ouch! We do x ray if there is obvious displacement , otherwise they're just left to men's on their own.

Have you been to A & E Op?

I had another good look at it today and the swelling has gone although the nail is sore looking still. He is walking fine on it and there is no displacement.

I think if he had stubbed it or dropped something on it i would have taken him to a&e but as he had "only" run the door over it, I don't think it could be broken, more trauma to the nail than the actual toe. Hope my logic is correct...

I will however keep an eye on how it is healing and go to a&e for advice if necessary, thanks all x

Very sensible