Big Toe injury....anyone know about this?

[taximomfor4]

I crushed my big toe when I was 14...it is relatively normal these days. Well, I just opened a bottom cupboard, and the screws must have been stripped -- the cupboard door (Heavy solid wood) fell. The bottom edge of it fell across my big toe. It hurts BAD, tingles, and I can't get it to move. I have it elevated and iced right now...near the joint is dark red and swelling now.

I know little toes can be buddy-taped. But I also know that big toes can be a bigger problem if broken. When I crushed it years ago, it was a BIG mess and needed stitches, etc. This time, no open skin. DH wants me to go to the hospital. I don't see what they'll do for a Big Toe. I don't really want anyone to know I hurt myself either -- I have clinicals 5 times in the next 8 days and they won't let you come hurt or sick, yet have a zero-absence policy (this is why I have been ignoring Right Kidney pain for 3 days now).

Anyone? Anyone? In massive pain here, need advice from those who are clear-thinking!

Beth

 

[momrek06]

Broken Toe

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

When you break a toe, fractures can occur in one or more of the bones. Healing usually takes 3 to 6 weeks. If you still have pain at this time, you may need an x-ray to see how the toe is healing.

Causes

These injuries are almost always the result of an accident or fall.

Signs/Symptoms

It will probably hurt to walk. Other possible symptoms include swelling, pain, bruising, bleeding, weakness, numbness, or tingling of the injured toe. Because the break may move some bones out of place, the toe may look misshapen.

Care

Your doctor may order an x-ray and may give you a splint or a cast shoe to keep the bones of the toe in place. A cast shoe should make it easier to walk. Surgery may be necessary if you have a bad fracture. If you scratched or tore some skin, you may also need a tetanus shot.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

If your toes are taped together, leave them that way until your doctor says you can remove the tape, or until your follow-up examination. You can change the tape after bathing. Always use a small piece of cotton between the toes when taping them together.

To reduce swelling, keep your foot lifted above the level of your heart as much as possible. Lie down and prop your foot up on some pillows.
Apply ice to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes each hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic bag and place a thin towel between the bag of ice and your cast.

Your doctor may have you wear a cast shoe if your foot is very swollen. If not, wear sturdy, supportive shoes.

You may use over-the-counter medicines to relieve the pain. Always take medications exactly as directed.

If you are given a tetanus shot, your arm may get swollen, red, and warm to the touch at the site of the shot. This is a normal reaction to the medicine.

Call Your Doctor If...
The pain or swelling gets worse.
The injured toe is cold when the others are warm.
The toe becomes very swollen or red.
The toe turns white or blue.

Seek Care Immediately If...
The toe feels numb or tingly.


(Copied from the Internet)

 

[taximomfor4]

thanks! I saw that same site!! I ended up looking in my Nursing School textbooks. Above where the reddish-purple spot, a large oval skin-colored puffy area is rising up. Uh Oh. Its all near the joint. I might have to go get this checked. EEK.

Beth

 

[RitaZ.]

(this is why I have been ignoring Right Kidney pain for 3 days now).
Beth

OMG! I'm sure you're in pain, but forget the toe for now. Kidney pain shouldn't be dismissed, get it checked out now.

 

[taximomfor4]

OMG! I'm sure you're in pain, but forget the toe for now. Kidney pain shouldn't be dismissed, get it checked out now.

I know. Really I do...but last time the kidney pain happened (last fall), I had to wait a few days, before going in -- they gave me a pain shot, and antibiotics. Now it's back 7 months later. I just need to get to Thursday before going in for the kidney thing. (If I really can't wait that long, I need to at LEAST get to Sunday after clinicals).

My toe is elevated, and feeling ok. I can get it to move ever so slightly. As long as I can walk relatively normally tomorrow at clinicals, so nobody notices anything is wrong!!

Beth

 

[RitaZ.]

Well, good luck tomorrow!