Question
I fell and hurt my great toe.  It is very sore and swollen. I don't know if I broke a bone in it or not.  What ointment, gel or salve is best for relieving the pain???

Answer
Sorry my answer disappointed you. I also thought I answered reasonably quickly. I spend the weekend with my family and so I didn't get to the question until that Monday----but I realize you had an injury-sorry again.
Aspirin and Anacin will not work as well as max dose of Alleve or Advil.
The point was that there is no ointment,gel or salve that really works. There is stuff that aspirin or similar-but it won't work better than the max dose of oral. Anything out there is minimally effective-that's why it's not regulated by the FDA. Your doctor can prescribe numbing gel-only works for 4-5 hours and you need to keep reapplying
Just trying to save you money
Good Luck Again My Friend!
For now
PRICE
Protect-wear a stiff shoe or walk less
Rest-walk less
Ice-on and of for 72 hours
Compress-Mild ace wrap the area-which will also protect
Elevate-if it throbs
Max dose of Alleve or Advil for 3 days
Make sure you see a podiatrist that does both conservative and surgical care to give you the best options-and can do an x-ray and read the same time.
Hope this helps!
Good Luck!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com

Not Med Advise-Info for All
SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU HAVE PAIN OR ARE CONCERNED