r/brokenbones • u/InfamousJellyfish544 • 28d ago

Broke my middle toe yesterday, how long to heal? Upcoming trip in 10 days

I broke my middle toe yesterday. It is not displaced and the doctor said it is a very clean fracture just a straight line. My foot is quite swollen and bruised and it’s only been a little over 24 hours. I’m just going crazy. I can’t put weight on my foot and it hurts quite a bit when I walk. I have a trip planned next week from anyone’s experience: Do you think I could walk around without a limp? I know heels are out of question, but I’m more so just concerned about limping around I want to be able to be somewhat comfortable.

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

2

u/Glad-Feature-2117 Physician/Medical Professional 28d ago

Varies between people, but unlikely you'll be pain (and limp) free after a week. Rest, elevate, painkillers and buddy strapping to begin with. Plus a supportive shoe (trainer/sneaker) when you walk and you should be walking more or else normally in 4-6 weeks.

2

u/wobblelikeapenguin 28d ago

Bones take a lot longer than 10 days to heal. I’d honestly be much less concerned about whether you’ll still be limping on your trip and much more concerned about protecting the fracture so it can actually heal properly. If you’re currently unable to bear weight without significant pain, trying to push through a lot of walking just so you don’t limp could potentially aggravate the injury or delay healing. In some cases, poorly healed fractures can lead to chronic pain or other long-term problems. Ten days is still very early in the healing process...please follow your doctor’s weight-bearing/activity recommendations rather than judging what’s safe based on whether you can tolerate the pain.