Fractured big toe. How reasonably long to be off work with it?

[Cheeseandbeansontoast]

Last Sunday, I fell in the kitchen, slipped n laminate flooring went down with a bang.

My foot/toe banged against the plinth thing at the bottom of the patio doors. My big toe, over a period of a few hours became swollen and bruised, and a cut on the top of it.

I went to our Urgent care centre who X-ray ed it, and confirmed the fracture.
They said it wasn't a big fracture but it is between the top and side of my toe, which makes it stick out a bit. Other than the toe itself, I was walking ok ish.

I drive 10 miles each way to work (not too far) but I told the UCC I was worried about driving in case I have an accident due to weight bearing issues with the pedal, as my car insurance would be invalid if I drove with a broken toe.
They asked me to speak to the fracture clinic about time off when I went yesterday, and without looking at my toe (still had a dressing on), said I was ok to drive from then on in.
I explained the car situation as above (also can't get to work any other way), and mentioned that I didn't think I was ready to drive yet. The consultant wasn't happy that I questioned his judgment, and said I needed to self certificate. I asked for how long, and would prefer a doctors note rather than a self cert form. He angrily filled one out for a week, then stormed out of the room saying I was discharged.

I work for the same NHS Trust. I never would take any more time off than I needed, but I feel he felt this is what I was trying to do. In total, I will have had 2 weeks off when the doctors note runs out.. That I find acceptable, but was I right to be sure that my toe was better before driving again?
Or am I wrong?

Sorry, no, the dripfeed wasn't deliberate. Trying to give as much info but the post was long as it is.

The chair behind the desk has the air pump mechanism that makes it go up or down, but I'm not especially tall, the counter is very deep with stuff on it, and we have a poky window that we speak to patients through, so can't lean over. Thanks anyway.

Thanks yes, the consultant seemed to come in all guns blazing, it took less than ten minutes from start to finish, very abrupt.
I didn't demand a proper sicknote though, I asked because there was no point filling out a self cert when there was a Dr there, like defeating the object, I thought.
Nothing was mentioned about alternative footwear.
I've been taking Ibuprofen from the beginning to reduce swelling, and paracetamol. It still throbs a little.

Thanks for all of your replies, I hope I didn't' sound like I was out to grab time off, not my intention at all, and didn't mean to dripfeed xx

I broke two toes 2 years ago playing hockey and they can still be a bit achey now. I played for the rest of the season though they sometimes felt a bit numb-sore. I Didn't have any time off work, just wore comfy shoes.
It's unlikely your insurance would be invalidated for driving with a broken toe, but maybe you could catch a taxi to work if you are really worried.

Hope you feel better soon

I'm pretty disgusted by a lot of the comments on here about taking 2 weeks off for a broken toe. Have any of you ever even had a broken toe? I broke mine three days ago and the pain was excruciating. Smash your toe with a hammer right now, you'll get an idea of the pain. Now. Try walking on it. Or driving with it. Bet you can't. For those not up on their anatomy, the toes are responsible for keeping you upright and keeping you balanced when standing. When you start to walk, ALL of your body weight is transferred to your toes. Stand up and lean forward a bit. What stops you from falling forward? Your toes right? My foot is that swollen after three days that I can't even stand on it, let alone walk on it, so for all of you who imply that this lady is joking about taking two weeks off....shame on you. The first 14 days after breaking a bone are the most crucial. Rest, ice and elevation are recommended, with minimal weight put on the foot, otherwise it could hinder the bones healing properly and cause problems down the track. For what? Two lousy weeks off? Lucky I work in the fitness industry and my employer understands perfectly how important rest after a break is. Maybe some of you other employers should do some research.... And treat your staff with a bit more respect and leniency. My doctor has given me two weeks off, and if I need that time, I'll take it. For anyone else who needs sound medical advice. Don't ask a forum. Clearly. Research all of the respectable medical sites for your answers, or ask your doctor. I stumbled on this site looking for info about when I could drive and was horrified with all of the judgamental responses. I had to join only to say my piece.....like it or not. Your health is more important than anything, so make yourself your top priority. And don't feel bad when you do.

Zombie thread! I'm sure the OP's toe is better now.

I didn't have any and I cant see it being necessary. Yes, you have to hobble a bit, but you'll soon be fine.

@Cas123456

I'm pretty disgusted by a lot of the comments on here about taking 2 weeks off for a broken toe. Have any of you ever even had a broken toe? I broke mine three days ago and the pain was excruciating. Smash your toe with a hammer right now, you'll get an idea of the pain. Now. Try walking on it. Or driving with it. Bet you can't. For those not up on their anatomy, the toes are responsible for keeping you upright and keeping you balanced when standing. When you start to walk, ALL of your body weight is transferred to your toes. Stand up and lean forward a bit. What stops you from falling forward? Your toes right? My foot is that swollen after three days that I can't even stand on it, let alone walk on it, so for all of you who imply that this lady is joking about taking two weeks off....shame on you. The first 14 days after breaking a bone are the most crucial. Rest, ice and elevation are recommended, with minimal weight put on the foot, otherwise it could hinder the bones healing properly and cause problems down the track. For what? Two lousy weeks off? Lucky I work in the fitness industry and my employer understands perfectly how important rest after a break is. Maybe some of you other employers should do some research.... And treat your staff with a bit more respect and leniency. My doctor has given me two weeks off, and if I need that time, I'll take it. For anyone else who needs sound medical advice. Don't ask a forum. Clearly. Research all of the respectable medical sites for your answers, or ask your doctor. I stumbled on this site looking for info about when I could drive and was horrified with all of the judgamental responses. I had to join only to say my piece.....like it or not. Your health is more important than anything, so make yourself your top priority. And don't feel bad when you do.

Don't know if you're still around on Mumsnet, but I wanted to say thank you for your comment on an old thread about whether to drive with a broken toe. I broke my big toe 2 days ago and have been in agony. Got signed off for 3 weeks with a special shoe and crutches, but the consultant was also very unsympathetic. Made me wait 1.5 hours past my appointment time. Manager also not being very sympathetic and expecting me to come straight in to work. Despite not being able to put my foot down and definitely not drive! Anyway, will see how I feel after a week. Thanks again!