Dear Dr. LJ,

[lesliepear]

Does anyone know how long one should be splinting a broken toe (taping it to the next one). I've been retaping the one I broke on 4/24 almost daily since 4/25 (the tape/gauze doesn't seem to hold that well). I want to follow up with my podiatrist next week on it just in case.

Comments

[kukla-red.livejournal.com]

When I broke my big toe I had to wear a PITA wooden sandal thing that drove me nuts. I wore it for about 3 weeks and then I had had enough and switched back to regular shoes. It hurt for a little while, but then it was fine.

When I break the smaller toes I don't do anything for it.

[fukrware.livejournal.com]

I broke the two little toes on my right foot a couple years back... I taped them up with a little piece of a popsicle stick for a splint and tried not to walk on them as much as possible. I wore sandals whenever I could so I didn't have to have them restrained... but basically when I called my doctor, they said there wasn't much you could do besides that. It hurts like a MF but it can take weeks to heal. Hope you feel better soon... I feel your pain.

[kyburg.livejournal.com]

I was told a week for mine - and that was just about right.

[siobhan-1.livejournal.com]

Usually you splint it for 5 days but it depends on how much of a break it is (this according to my Navy medic husband). A big toe takes longer.

[unclejimbo.livejournal.com]

Did you have it x-rayed? In general, 2-4 weeks is average for healing times but it also can be affected by how bad the fracture is.

[lesliepear.livejournal.com]

It was x-rayed, but I didn't see the film myself. And the doctor and radioligist (relayed to me via the doctor) confirmed the break.

Still think I'll have a check to make sure it's healing ok.