Broken toe - any advice?

[disneynan]

We are leaving for WDW in 5 days and my DS8 broke his little toe!

I called the MD and they said there is nothing to do except try to stay off it. This was to be the first trip without a stroller, but now I am thinking that we may need to get him one. He is only comfortable wearing flip flops today and I am concerned about someone stepping on the broken toe by accident.

Any advice? I am heading to target this afternoon and will check out the umbrella strollers. I am afraid that he is now too big for them, but don't want to pay Disney prices for their strollers although I will if I have to for his comfort.

 

[mnasmom3]

Did they tell you to "buddy tape" it to the next toe? That will keep it stable while it heals.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I have broken my little toe twice (OK, so I'm apparently not the most coordinated ). Each time, I taped the little toe to the next toe with some medical tape, like the PP suggested. It prevents the sore toe from moving too much and helps keep it in place. For shoes, would he wear crocs? They have a lot of room in the toe box and probably wouldn't aggravate his injury (and would offer some protection), although he would probably prefer flip flops.

Unless your DS8 is pretty small, he is probably too heavy for an umbrella stroller. I think the max weight is usually about 40-50 pounds, although I'm sure someone else will chime in with the right numbers - we haven't had strollers for a long time. I didn't have trouble walking on my broken toe after the first day or two - they heal pretty quickly. If it were one of my kids, I'd go without a stroller but be prepared to rent on the long days (Epcot, maybe AK) if necessary.

Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[Keara'sMom]

I have to agree with the previous two posters. I've broken my right little toe more times than I can count (yep, I'm clumsy and always seem to be hurrying--bad combination), and what helps the most is to tape it to the next toe and leave it for a couple days. Make sure he wears comfortable sneakers to walk, and I'll bet he's fine for your trip!

 

[ERMama]

im guessing in 5 days it will still be a bit sore but the excitement of disney will have him forgetting about the pain most of the day.
i suggest giving him tylenol or motrin before heading out for the day and at bedtime.
if worried about others stepping on it by that time he may be able to wear a shoe with minimal discomfort. i really wouldnt worry about someone damaging him though.
im guessing he weighs too much for many of the umbrella strollers but if you want to buy a maclaren volo or the like for about $80-100 then go ahead. you can always sell it when you get home.

is he the kind of kid who will actually sit in a umbrella stroller anyways? i know a few of my sons friends wouldnt be caught dead in a "baby stroller".

i say go and wing it. if its really bothering him for long periods then maybe rent a stroller at epcot only because theres more walking there. im thinking at the other 3 parks he will be able to rest it more.

(hope he feels better soon).

 

[disneynan]

Thanks for the quick replies, you guys are awesome! My email has been down at work and this is the first time I have had to sit at home.

I decided not to buddy tape as it was too sore to touch the first few days. Today he was able to wear his VANS sneakers and the discoloration is much better. I am hoping by early next week he will be much better.

I decided not to do the umbrella stroller after looking at strollers and prices. I will wing it with the plan to rent a stroller for Epcot.

Can't wait to get there!

 

[nonzerosum]

I am a huge clutz and have broken 8 toes!!!! Buddy taping is great and you'd be surprised how quickly they heal. In about 4 days I've always been mobile again. Hope he's okay for the trip.