Broken toe - how long do you wait to go to the dr?

[MSWR0319]

I feel like a bad mom asking this question, but DS can be rather dramatic and I'm not sure sometimes when it's an issue and when it's really not but he thinks it is. His big toe got directly stepped on with cleats Thur night during soccer practice. His toe was immediately bruised when he got home and there was a hole in the sock and a dent in his shoe right where the bruise is, so I know he's not faking that part. He seems to be walking on it fine but he had two soccer games this weekend and after each game he complains that it really hurts right on the bone while he's running. I haven't noticed any obvious swelling and he claims he can only bend it a little bit, but again he can be dramatic so I don't know if that's true or if he's faking it. Do I take him in for an xray or can I wait it out a big longer? Is there much they can even do for a broken toe?

[SnuggleBuggles]

I'd definitely go in so you can get the all clear for soccer.

[carolinamama]

It doesn't hurt to have it looked at if he's still complaining of pain. I'd be more likely to have an injury on the big toe looked at over a little toe since it can be more serious. Do you have orthopedic urgent cares near you? We've found them to be pretty quick, you avoid the sick germs in general urgent cares and biggest plus - the x-rays get read correctly by orthopedists.

[MSWR0319]

It doesn't hurt to have it looked at if he's still complaining of pain. I'd be more likely to have an injury on the big toe looked at over a little toe since it can be more serious. Do you have orthopedic urgent cares near you? We've found them to be pretty quick, you avoid the sick germs in general urgent cares and biggest plus - the x-rays get read correctly by orthopedists.

The closest one is an hour away. I wish it was closer because that's a great idea! I always forget about it. I'll check the hours though, it may be our best option.

[trcy]

I broke my toe at a time when I had no health insurance, so I did nothing except OTC pain meds. It sucked! I would take him to urgent care.

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[JBaxter]

Unless the toe is crooked they are not going to do anything for it. Mine hurt for weeks. Getting cleated HURTS DS3 just had that happen last tournament Its been 3 weeks and it still bothers him when he turns or pushes off. He had a bruise on the joint of his big toe and the joint that attaches to his foot. Round cleat mark bruises.
Soccer Mom who hates to drag kids to the Dr would be not to go at this point. Give your regular dose of ibuprofen before each game / practice and again before he goes to bed that night. DS3 ( almost 15 with size 13 cleats ) said his hurt consistently for 2 full weeks when he practiced and intermittently for another week. Unless its swollen and he cant walk I wouldnt go but thats me. I've been through a lot of sports injuries bruised toes hurt for a while.

[georgiegirl]

Unless it’s a big break, they usually only recommend buddy taping the broken toe. DD broke her big toe two years ago and that’s what the orthopedic surgeon recommended. The break was near the growth plate on her big toe, so that’s why we saw a specialist. She has a friend who dropped a glass water bottle on her toe and it pretty much crunched the bone. She was in a boot for 4-6 weeks and might have needed surgery. But both of these situations had lots of swelling and discoloration.

[smilequeen]

I've done it many times and the only time I went in was when I was also pregnant. However, it wouldn't hurt to call his pediatrician and see what they say since he's playing soccer. Usually you just buddy tape it to the next toe if you can. You won't be a bad person if you don't actually go in...most people don't because they honestly don't do anything. When I was pregnant he made me wear a boot and asked me to use a handicapped placard so I didn't walk as much (but I didn't use it...seriously I was fine).

[nfowife]

My son broke his pinky toe last year and had to wear a boot and no soccer or b-ball for about a month.

[NCGrandma]

I’m in the "have it checked out" camp. A family member broke a toe while traveling, some years ago, and just iced it and elevated it whenever possible. As a result, it never healed properly and she has had long-term issues that would have almost certainly been avoided with prompt treatment. (Her podiatrist later offered to re-break it so it could be set properly but she said no thanks...)


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[calebsmama03]

Don't feel bad. I've broken several toes and never gone in. It's whatever you feel comfortable with.