How long do you have to get a bone set?

[d4mo]

I broke my pinky toe yesterday. I went in to the clinic and they said it was broken at an angle and that they couldnt set it and the only thing they could do was tape it to the toes next to it and hope it heals straight.

She told be I could go to a foot doctor if I want and see if they can do anything else. Well it doesn't look to be in the right place, how long do I have before it starts healing and is going to have to be rebroken to set it?

 

[pcgeek11]

Probably too late already.

Actually I have no idea. It would be surgery to set it correctly however. And more than likely steel pins in the bone. Usually not worth the cost.

I broke my big toe a few years back and just taped it myself for free.

 

[K7SN]

I broke my big toe a few years back and just taped it myself for free.

I've broke lots of bones, cracked even more. Toes no longer a month before you can go a whole day and don't notice. Doctor tapes them once and you tape them yourself afterwards was solution, cracked ribs are just about the same, make sure their not broke and going to puncture something like a lung at the doctors; then try not to laugh for a month.

Lat time Last two times I've broke bones, doctor said I wasn't 30 anymore and it did take a little more time so if your in your late 60s it may take an extra week; but that was cracking a vertebrae and the small bone in my ledft leg ()That healed in a month).

I drank lots of milk and at foods like broccoli that are high in calcium so I could race again in two or three weeks with good taping and other protection and minimum pain.

 

[d4mo]

I guess I should have stated my toe was at about a 45 degree angle pointing out outward. That's why I'm concerned it wasn't set. If I take the tape off it goes back to that angle

 

[K7SN]

I guess I should have stated my toe was at about a 45 degree angle pointing out outward. That's why I'm concerned it wasn't set. If I take the tape off it goes back to that angle

Unless your vain or a foot model you really don't need the pinky BUT this calls for a second opinion; either to reassure you or possibly make a repair.

When I broke toes they were in a protective Motorcycle Boot and until I took the boot off they were still roughly in place. wrap or taping them in place to an adjacent toe was sufficient; that still maybe the best course of action.

 

[pcgeek11]

I guess I should have stated my toe was at about a 45 degree angle pointing out outward. That's why I'm concerned it wasn't set. If I take the tape off it goes back to that angle

Don't take the tape off.

 

[d4mo]

I try my best not to but I have to replace the tape evry once and awhile

 

[SOFTengCOMPelec]

I would suggest you take professional advice. If you are NOT happy with the advice (professional) already given. Seek out a second (professional) opinion.

NOT trying to be rude about the posters in this thread.

But best not to take "Dr Forum", too seriously.

 

[think2]

I broke my little finger a while ago. I punched a hole in the wall in my sleep, believe it or not. After a couple of weeks I went to a Doctor who said I could get it x-rayd but there was no point coz there was nothing they could do. A few weeks later when it was still hurting a lot I got it xrayed and the hospital told me I should have had it xrayed to start with because they would have put a pin in. They said many people (including me) miss the opportunity to get the best fix because they delay getting an xray.

 

[interchange]

The fracture is displaced, i.e. not in alignment on its own. If you do not reduce the fracture to put it back in alignment, it will not heal correctly (straight), but it will still heal. It sounds as if the "buddy taping" they did is potentially reducing the fracture. That would need to be maintained for a few weeks. Obviously it's pretty hard to cast a toe. If it can be reduced by other measures, it wouldn't need surgery. If not, well that's up to you as a pinky being straight is not all that important for stabilization. Personally, though, I would get a podiatrist's opinion, and I would not take the taping off until he/she saw it.