Would you bother going to A&E with broken big toe?

[BigGreenCookieMonster]

Just that really. Dropped a something v heavy on my big toe. 6 hours later it is swollen, throbbing/pins and needles, painful and turning beautiful colours.

The NHS website says to go to A&E if you think you've broken your big toe, but that seems a bit of an overreaction to me. I think, given no protruding bones or deformity, this is one to muscle through with wine and ibuprofen.

However, thought I'd ask for a sense check here. How would those of you with a high pain/low A&E waiting threshold respond? And is there an obvious risk I'm overlooking? Thanks!

It is broken and I have a very fetching shoe and a pair of crutches. Thanks for chivvying me along!

I went to the miu - mine was dislocated and they had gas and air to pop it back in. It was so painful but the gas made me laugh hysterically.

Glad you went. I broke mine on holiday last year and just ignored. Finally got it x rayed when I came home, and it was healing but got chastised by the doctor!

Mum broke hers and had to wear a plastic boot for several weeks. Stepdad then broke his tripping on a carpet a week later and they had matching boots for a couple of weeks!

Your big toe is very important for stability when walking. If it doesn't heal properly and ends up deformed it could be quite disabling.

Hope it heals fast OP! It's definitely the most vital of the toes.

Yes go. If its a big toe it may need to be immobilised in a boot to prevent deformity.

I went to urgent care when I broke mine about 4 months ago. Had it x-rayed, didn't need it taped but was recommended to rest it a lot. I've had physio recently to help proper movement to return. It was incredibly difficult to walk and use public transport when it was bad 😔

Also, was in and out in 1 hour 30 mins. Fabulous service! When the NHS is good, it really is good.

Glad you're sorted. If you look after it while it heals it should prevent long term issues.
The NHS really does work incredibly quickly sometimes.

Glad you've been sorted but sorry it's broken. I'm pretty sure I broke mine back in February and it's still not right - it hurt for a good couple of months and it doesn't bend downwards all the way any more. I should have got it looked at but we had a load of other crap going on at the time 🙄