Hospital minor injury? Little toe

[Marshbird]

I caught my foot dressing this morning, yanked my little toe. Lots of naughty words and a few gasps

it is now VERY swollen and going a lovely black, swelling extending to surronding foot.

ive been doing elevation, ice thingy

pain is not dreadful

so, is it even worth finding out if broken? Would they be able to do anything even if X-ray other than strapping it?

I’ve broken bones before and similar pain level, even my elbow they just put sling on, so not sure I want to arrange getting a lift,waiting all evening, then no treatment even if broken

anyone think I do need to go?

No just strap it yourself.

I've broken various toes. There's no point going to the hospital unless it's a big toe or somehow complicated. Just go to Boots and get some good strapping. Even if it is broken that's all they'll do at the hospital.

I’m going to go against the grain and say have it seen and X-rayed. I know two people - one left it and now needs complicated surgery as some small bones in the foot were broken and healed badly. The other got their toe imaged (at my insistence) and needed their toe reset

Get it seen - could impact future foot health.

I'm in the get it strapped category, done this so many times as I am so clumsy, never had any lasting issues.

Get it seen. My husband stubbed his little toe on a Wendy house in August. It’s progressively got worse and he’s now having surgery Wednesday!

If it’s black you need to be seen

I've once taken a broken toe to A&E as it was on the wonk, they quickly reset it (with a biro!) and strapped it. Long waiting room but quick fix.

I didn't bother with another toe and it still hurts when I've been walking/standing a lot. Not sure if they could have helped but I wish I'd had it looked at now.

Does your hospital or even walk in center have minor injuries? I know some have a system where you can ring and book an appointment for xrays and things. Might make you more inclined to go if the wait wasn't oh so long!- plus, they'll be able to give advicep on the phone as to whether you need to attend. Good luck.

NHS advice is to treat a broken small toe at home unless it is at a funny angle, going numb or tingly or the bone is sticking out through the skin. If you weren't experiencing any of those symptoms, I don't think they would x-ray it, they would just strap it up which you can do at home.
If you feel you need some medical advice you could ask a pharmacist.
I broke my little toe a couple of years ago, lots of swelling and black bruising. I strapped it to the next toe with tape and it healed within 3-4 weeks.

Thank you everyone, a completely mixed bag. I didn’t go to A and E then. I have elevated it, swelling is now clear over top of foot but it is not painful even when I move it or try to bend it (it doesn’t bend btw- too swollen ) . No tingles.

so I’m doing a watch and wait .
i don’t want to waste time in minors, it’s busy as it’s our nearest A&E type facility . The A&E is 40 mins drive away…bloody stupid but that’s a different post altogether. So minor injury at local hospital becomes very very busy in people trying to avoid a long drive. I will get some strapping tomorrow and apply as swelling goes down.
luckily I’m retired so can take it easy …

thanks for all your opinions

Of course get it seen - it is a bone and if it breaks it may need pinning - you need your toes to walk and balance!