Is it worth going to A&E....

[Youdontneedacriminallawyer]

With a suspected broken toe?

I mean, could they/would they do anything about it? Or just send person home? Would they even x-ray it?

I don't know what they would do, but I would probably go.

I'd probably go. However I'm a total hypocrite, as I never went when I thought I'd broken my big toe after falling off my bike. (I did go to the GP several months later, who decided I have trauma based arthritis)

Its best to get it checked just in case its displaced, but I don't they do much if its a simple fracture

Unless it's your big toe, there's nothing that they can, or will, do (imo).

However, I am not a doctor so if you're worried then obv seek medical advice.

Sorry, that should have been in my experience rather than imo.

I "broke" my middle toe but was just told to take painkillers short term if it bothered me and come back if it didn't get better. I say "broke" as the only evidence I have that it was broken was that it hurt like buggery, and that there was some pain if it was bent for over a year afterwards.

My DD had a suspected broken toe - I made an appointment with the GP, who looked at it, agreed that it was probably broken, and sent us to A & E. A & E looked at the toe, agreed it was probably broken and said it was a complete waste of time us coming to see them (I paraphrase rather, but still....)

Thanks all.
Jee - that's what I suspect will happen, so probably won't bother.
It currently hurts like buggery despite pain killers, is v swollen and a nice blue/black colour. I can't bear wearing shoes so am wfh. But there's nothing to be gained by going to A&E is there? Don't want to have to sit round for hours to be sent home with paracetamol.

Sounds very like my DDs, Youdontneed. I guess if the pain is too much it might be worth going - on the other hand, A & E waiting area is undoubtedly one of the circles of hell, and the pain would have to be very bad to make me brave it.

Hope the pain succumbs to the paracetomol soon.

I've been to A&E with a broken toe. Twice. The same toe
They X-rayed it and strapped it. The first time I did it, they had to pull it back into place. Without pain relief (ordered but never arrived).

The NHS website basically says not to bother looking for treatment unless there is bone sticking out or it is an odd shape or circulation not functioning, as there is nothing they can do.

I looked it up last week because I dropped a drawer on my big toe about ten days ago and I am pretty sure it is broken but I haven't bothered going to the doctor's/A&E, based on that website. The bruising has gone down but it is still a bit red and swollen, and I can't wear tight shoes. The website says it will take 4-6 weeks to heal. After hobbling around for a couple of days I can now walk fairly normally, and drive etc.

Stick some chiropodist felt (available in most chemists) on the ball of your foot. It will stop your toe being moved when you walk so walking will be much easier.
I agree with the PP above, unless it's your big toe or looks displaced it's not worth going. Plenty of ice, rest and ibuprofen will help.

I just did mine and went to the minor injuries unit due to pain. They don't X-ray toes and just advised lots of painkillers and strapped it to its neighbour toe. Hope you feel better soon op!

I might strap it to the other toe - good idea.

I've hardly moved all day, and it's not hurting so much now. I'll have to get up to make dinner soon though, so we'll see what happens when I start walking about. We have a foreign PG staying, otherwise it would be chip shop chips tonight.

I broke my big toe a few months ago, they did plaster it but said that had it been any other toe they wouldn't even have xrayed it and just sent me straight home again.

So unless it's a big toe or you have a bone sticking out I wouldn't bother.