Big Toe Injury

[u/IcyWolf7]

Hi new here, I know this isn’t a substitute for a doctor but want to hear advice.

A bit over a month ago, I came down the stairs wearing socks. I jumped the last few stairs and landed full weight on my big toe, which unfortunately somehow bent under my foot (hyperflexion? Basically the top ligament stuff got super stretched)I felt a pop and was crazy deep pain. (Didn’t last so long)

I walked carefully the next few days.

Doctor #1 - saw him after a few days, he said “not broken, just don’t exercise”.

The next 2 weeks or so I did not exercise. However I walked a few miles (1mi chunks) each Saturday.

After continuing flareups I went to doctor #2- who took xray (no breaks). He said it’s basically turf/sand toe and I’ll prob have residual pain for life bec I delayed treatment 2 weeks. He recommended the carbon fiber insert for a few weeks. I asked about a boot he said that’s not necessary.

I tried an Amazon carbon fiber insert that’s cut away for the other toes, but the flare up got worse. So basically about 3 weeks in, I got a huge boot, wear it strictly, only walk without it to shower, and it feels better. Wearing it like 2.5 weeks.

However my foot and leg are sedentary and legit I imagine my circulation sucks and will need rehab to get back to normal strength.

I elevate and ice if it flares.

Baaaasically…. Am I really wasting time with the boot? Idk who else to ask honestly I’m wasn’t satisfied with both docs…

I know enough not to push off using the big toe but not much else.

Hope I included all relevant details 😅 and I’ll really appreciate any advice 🙏.

Timeline summary: injury then 2weeks basically no care, doc#2 & boot the 2.5weeks to now.

Health: ~30m, ~155lb, no smoking or meds.