I’m Pretty Sure I Broke My Toe

Darn it. I was walking in my living room on Sunday night, and stubbed my toe on a chair leg. Although it was a little sore yesterday, it didn’t hurt when I walked so I figured it was okay. This morning, as I was getting ready to go to the airport I put on my shoes (brown closed-toe flats). It hurt. I mean, it hurt so much I immediately had to take them off. And then my toe was fine. So I put my shoes in my purse, put on flip-flops, and went to the airport. I’m going to try to put on my regular shoes for my meetings today (because as comfy as they are, my Reefs are not the most professional-looking shoes), but I’m not positive I’ll be able to handle it as the office here is really big.

I broke my foot a couple of years ago (I have bad luck I guess) but had crutches and couldn’t walk. Even though it was difficult, it wasn’t like I had a lot of options–I had to be in a wheelchair whenever I was at the airport. Has anyone broken just a toe before? It’s my pinky toe, if that makes a difference. How did you manage to travel with it? Any advice?

Comments

  1. Just tape the two toes together, and you’ll be fine. Wear looser shoes when possible as the pressure will be painful for a bit. The taping together, btw, is all a doctor would do for you as well. As long as it’s just the toe.

  2. I couldn’t believe it when I saw that title (“I’m pretty sure I broke my toe”), because guess what–so am I. I am forever walking into furniture and stubbing my toe, but this time I’m pretty sure I broke my toe (it was actually about 3 weeks ago). It helps if you literally tape your little toe to the one next to it. My little toe is still a little swollen, and I still can’t easily wear closed shoes, though if I can get into them (flats only), it actually feels ok, almost as though I’m in a cast. If this doesn’t resolve in the next few days, I will go to my orthopedist.

  3. That was the exact sentiment I had when I broke the big toe in May! There isn’t much you can do unless the black and blue doesn’t go away after a few days.

    Try to stay off the toe and walk less if you can. If you are at a desk, take your shoe off to help lower the swelling. It might take a few weeks before it feels more normal. Mine is still sensitive, but no problem walking now.

  4. Yep. I’ve broken my pinky toe before (only broken bone I’ve ever had, actually – dropped a coffee mug on it from a high shelf). It hurts like hell. Agreed with the taping and staying off of it as much as possible. And maybe drop by a store on your way to the office to pick up some “fancy” flip-flops so you’re not self-conscious in Reefs?

  5. Just wear your flip flops if those are the only comfortable shoes right now. When meeting with someone, just say “I broke my toe, and can’t wear regular shoes, so please pardon my casual footwear.” Most people will understand I think. An overturned wastebasket makes a great footrest to elevate the foot while seated.

    Snide looks in your direction should be greeted with “I broke my toe and didn’t have time to get to a doctor before this trip.”

  6. I STUBBED MY PINKIE TOE 3 WEEKS AGO. THE REDNESS, BLACK AND BLUE ARE GONE BUT IT’S BIGGER THAN IT SHOULD BE AND WEARING SHOES IS PAINFUL. I WAS OK WITH GOING BAREFOOT OR WEARING THONGS BUT NOW THAT COLDER WEATHER IS COMING I DON’T KNOW HOW TO WEAR REGULAR FLAT SHOES. HOW LONG DOES THIS LAST?

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