Question: On vacation Thursday evening (8pm) I accidentally collided my left foot forward into another object causing sudden intense pain in my pinky toe. I was near a first aid station and received immediate care (RICE) and ibuprofen. I rested Thursday and Friday (continued to elevate and ice) and went to the ER noon yesterday as the bruising and swelling was getting worse (although the pain was bearable, and toes were almost a little numb). At the ER, I was told I had a fracture of my 5th metatarsal called a "Dancers fracture" and was given crutches and a surgical shoe after my 5th and 4th toes were buddy taped. The pain was worse after leaving the hospital, and before I went to sleep I removed the buddy tape, which appeared to make the swelling and pain worse (I woke up feeling better, used crutches and shoe today with sock, no taping).
Before leaving for home today, I returned to the ER and asked for copies of my xrays. Upon review and some online research this evening, the fracture is not an avulsion fracture of the 5th metatarsal, but appears to be a closed non-displaced spiral fracture in the 5th phalange (bedpost fracture). Bruising is mostly around 5th/4th toes and upwards halfway up foot. Pain is minimal. My questions: 1) Should I see a podiatrist or orthopedist? 2) I am a runner and have many fall runs coming up. When can I run/bike/swim again - should this be gauged by pain or specific time frame? 3) Is there any way to determine how long I need to wear the shoe/use crutches? Both are very uncomfortable - are there any other options? I tried uploading the image but had trouble with this - the file is small. How can I resend???