Dr Julius Parker: Broken toes and grommets

Q I broke my big toe while playing football three weeks ago. My GP taped it up to the toe next to it and said, with rest, it should get better within a couple of weeks. But the toe is still painful and is bruised.

A Sports- and work-related trauma are the commonest reasons for fracturing a toe. Your GP has treated you with “neighbour (or “buddy”) strapping. This stabilises the broken toe, reducing its movement, while it heals. Strapping is effective although you should put a small piece of cotton or gauze between the strapped toes to prevent the skin rubbing. When you restrap the toes after a shower or bath, make sure they are not too tightly pressed.

Use Paracetamol and/or an anti-inflammatory, such as Ibuprofen, for pain, if required. Check with your pharmacist or GP if you’re already taking other medication or have pre-existing medical conditions. Your toe will look swollen and bruised. Because the big toe takes much of the body’s weight in walking, restrict your activities. When resting, elevate your foot, until the swelling has improved.