What to do if you break your foot?

[deadken]

Ok, I realize that the internet is a wonderful tool. I also realize that using it for legal or medical advice can be very foolish. I hope to just gain a glimmer of insight from someone with experience or education. I think that I am prepared for all the 'other' stuff I might get. Anyway, here goes:


Last Wednesday or Thursday I was at work helping someone with a problem job, I used an air chisel and it slipped off the workpiece (which was on the floor between my feet), and the bit struck the top of my workboot. Not with any great force, but I did feel it a bit later on, not pain, just discomfort. I continued working throughout the day and at bedtime I saw swelling, but nothing else. The foot wasn't even tender. then next night when getting into be I saw that my toes were puple. I am guess that there is a broken bone, perhaps just a chip.

So.... A while back when I broke my toe, it was a waste of time going to the hospital, nothing was done other then a lame splint. I am guessing the right thing to do would be to go get it X-rayed and hear what a Doctor has to say. From past experience, the ER just gives a general diagnosis and always says to follow up with a private Doctor. Given the time that has passed already, would 4 more days make a difference?

But, I really could use to just get through this week and then be off on vacation next week. Of course if need be, I'll go tonight. Would there be any harm in waiting a few more days? I will be working a double shift tomorrow and on Friday. So I'll have limited time in between and the ER would be the place whos hours match when I could go. I spent the weekend getting some things done around the house and now it seems painfully obvious what I should have done on Saturday morning.

Please don't make this post out to be something it isn't. Just a simple request for some information from someone who might have it.

-Thanks, Ken

 

[GenHoth]

Get an appointment, if you're not in pain its not broken. It may be cracked or just some bruising. Either way the ER is not the way to go. It is for emergencies not mild discomforts, you'll just end up waiting for ever for someone to take a cursory glance and tell you its nothing serious and give you a hefty bill.

 

[deadken]

Good point. I never mentioned ZERO pain. Discomfort, yes. Pain, no.

Just yesterday I was in the garage just doing an oil change on my car. Only when I was getting up from under the car, where your foot is positioned with the toes on the ground and heel way up in the air, did I look down at my foot and realize that it wasn't the brightest of ideas to use it like this. I imagine if it was truly broken, I would have felt pain.

Whew... I feel better already. Don't get me wrong, I took it easy this weekend and am just trying to make it through the week, make some OT and take off the week before Xmas.

Thanks for your information/suggestion, Ken

 

[chusteczka]

You could just wrap your foot in an Ace bandage, stay off of it as much as possible, lay down with your foot elevated, and put ice on it if it swells. Other than taking an x-ray to confirm a chip or crack, that is all a doctor is going to do for you anyway; except maybe give you a pair of crutches. It is very important to keep your weight off that foot for 4 weeks. Everytime you put your weight on your foot, the muscles will tense and pull the bone chip out of place. It is also important to keep the swelling down.

This injury does not require a visit to the ER.

 

[GenHoth]

My guess is you just has a nasty looking bruise and some swelling which is causing the discomfort. I honestly think you're fine if it doesn't give you any other problems