What can be done for swollen, bruised, and painful toe?

Question

Hello doctor,

I fell this morning and I am pretty sure I broke a toe. It is a bit swollen, bruised, and painful. I landed on my knee and top of my foot. My knee is fine but the top of my foot is a little tender. It has a small bruise. My other toes are getting numb. Do I need to see a doctor?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your history, and you have stated that you are having pain, swelling, and bruising on the dorsum (top) of the foot region. In that event, I advise you to get: an X-ray of the affected foot (AP and oblique views) because we have to rule out any bony injury as management changes if there is a fracture. Do not put weight on the affected foot as your swelling might increase further. Intensive ice packs need to be applied (10 to 15 minutes every two to three hours) to keep swelling to a bare minimum. You can take OTC analgesics like Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, or Paracetamol whichever is available, and is not a contraindication for you. Keep your limb elevated over the pillow at night while sleeping. Please contact me with an X-ray of the affected part and I can guide you as to further course of action.