Injured foot - advice please

I would get it seen if I were you. Your GP could decide whether it needs an x-ray - presumably he/she is nearer than the A&E.

As some of the longstanding members on here will know, I broke my foot 3 years ago and am still in trouble with it. Feet are complicated things with lots of fiddly bones and it is better to be safe than sorry. The treatment depends on the position and type of the break and it may be that, if you do have a break, then it is different from your previous one and may need treatment this time.

Can you walk on it? - are you limping? - do you need a stick? I could not put mine to the ground at all, it was so painful.

One of the fractures in my foot was not noticed initially and this is why I still have problems as it was left so long.

My long term mobility is impaired and that is why, if it were me, I would get it checked - the consequences of leaving it could be lifelong.

They won't be able to x-ray your foot if there is swelling and soft tissue damage. I would wait until the swelling eases, and then, if it is still painful I would seek advice.

Thanks both of you. I can walk on it - I can wriggle the whole foot without too much pain.

I don't need a stick, but I am walking and avoiding much pressure on the outer side. My knee has been aching too, as I'm driiving in a different way.

It is just very sore - I think if the planks snapped up around foot and hit the sides of foot, it would very bruised and painful for a while. It definetely helps to keep off it a bit and use some ice.

Hoping your foot gradually improves, Seacliff. I've got problems with mine, but with me it's osteoarthritis. As Luckygirl says there are lots of fiddly bones. The Doc. gave me a cortisone injection last week in a painful joint, and that has helped.
Apart from the pain, the problem is the balance between needing to keep active, and resting the bruised foot.

That sounds horrible Tricia, my sister recently had that injection for pain in her heel, and it did the trick for her. Hope yours improves more.

Always good to get checked out. I fell off a step at the end of May. Went to casualty and was xrayed. Torn ligaments, foot swollen, very bruised and sore for months but now seems ok. Glad I got it looked at.

seacliff when you are sitting down please try and keep your foot elevated. In theory the foot should be higher than the heart but that is impractical at times. I sit with my foot on a box with 3 pillows on top. I have a very swollen foot and ankle having fractured my ankle years ago and it was pinned and plated. I fell a few weeks ago, broke my big toe and that was in POP. I have residual swelling from that.

Your foot may need to be xrayed but your GP can decide.

Thanks Charleygirl - I've been staying in today, and ever time I sit down I keep it up on stool - but still it's lower than my heart. Would have to get some more pillows and slump in the chair.

I broke my wrist several years ago and had to have it pinned, the swelling went on for ages, but don't get it now thank goodness.

Do you still get swelling from injury years ago?

Will give it a few days, and then see GP if not any better.

Yes, swelling can go on for years. I have so much metal work in my ankle, that is part of the problem. The swelling is so gross (to me) that I can only wear trousers now. I would not be seen in a skirt.

My foot still swells and that is from 3 years ago.

Sorry about your foot but rest, elevation and anti- inflammatory medication should make a good improvement.

<waves> to Charleygirl, my 'ankle twin'

Could you lie on the settee with your foot up on the arm seacliff? Ice packs bag of frozen peas are usef too.

I do hope it improves quickly

We have a pack of frozen peas in our freezer which is only used for swelling reduction - it has been there for years.

I would get an x ray asap

I walked around on a painful foot for three weeks - I was very young at the time (about 18).
When I eventually went to the hospital they plastered it up for me (it was a big main bone), then the next day took the plaster off again saying it had healed itself crookedly. I was to go back and have it broken and re-set about six months later
(but I never did ....)

Have you thought of an elastic foot support to help you over the worst Seacliff.

You could get one from any chemist, if not an elastic bandage!.

Hope it feels better soon.

Thanks for all the help, and some lovely flowers .

I too have some old peas/sweetcorn, half a packet, which moulds round my foot really well.

I just wasn't sure how long to expect it to be painful - need it to be ok for mid Novemner as I'm hoping to go to the Country Living Christmas Fair - on our feet all day.

Yes, I would wear a support too.

I didn't know they couldn't xray when it was swollen, they xrayed my ankle when it swelled right up and said it wasn't broken, 'just ligaments'

The reason I didn't bother with xray - it seems a very similar injury to last time (other foot) and altho they said small bone broken, they didn't do anything. I do have an elastic sock thing, so I'll have a go with that thanks.

If your foot is so painful are you sure your car insurance is valid.......? The companies always like a get out clause!