How long should I wait ?

Question

Can anyone help, I broke my toe on Sunday and went to A&E where it was x-rayed and strapped up. But I forgot to ask how long I should keep it strapped up for it is the big toe on my right foot. Can anyone give me the answer. Thank you

Answer 1

Broken bones (even non-weight-bearing ones) frequently take no less than six weeks to mend when everything goes as planned.  Since you took the appropriate steps by seeking medical attention I'd use six weeks as the guide and detract or add time based on how you feel.  Be careful with it, though since it is the point where the bulk of your balance and weight-bearing capacity comes from.  Feel better!

Answer 2

Normally you get given an additional appointment to go to fracture clinic, phone the hospital if you don't have one, they are the best ones to help you with this. x

Answer 3

As people have stated, 6 weeks for a simple fracture is around the usual healing time.

However, you need to understand what part of the toe is broken. Certain areas of the metatarsals or phalanges (toe bones) can take significantly longer to heal if they have undergone an abnormal fracture as some areas do not have a good blood supply and are prone to slow healing. For instance if the fracture line enters the joint space, this can be quite serious and take a while to heal.

A break to your big toe can be quite serious as you need this toe for normal ambulation.  It is really important you get this followed up and see someone immediately, so the best possible post-fracture outcome can be obtained. Go back to the doctor or go and see a podiatrist with your xrays.

Regards,

Lloyd  

Answer 4

Usually when you break a bone you get a follow up appointment for the Orthopaedics at the hospital as a routine, even for a toe. I would ring A&E where you were seen and find out whether you should be seen again. 6 weeks is about right for healing, I've broken a few bones.  

Answer 5

yeah i currently have two broken legs and three broken fingers and i've been told 6 to 8 weeks for the legs.

Apparently fingers and toes take less time because the bones aren't so big. I had one of my fingers re-broken by the surgeon and after three weeks it has now come out of plaster - still hurts mind lol

Answer 6

A broken toe can take a while to heal, up to six weeks. Some have residual pain after this time. It’s important to ascertain whether this pain is the result of damaged nerves or ligaments around the toe, or a failure of the broken toe to heal properly. The doctor will probably want to verify by x-ray that one can use the toe for strenuous exercise.

Answer 7

six weeks like everybody says and also when it stops hurting thats about the right time to take it off