Question
Hi, I'm a 23 year old man in the United States.  A few days ago a friend fell directly on my big toe during a game of volleyball.  I felt intense pain and had the sensation of it bleeding.  However, I was able to keep playing through the rest of the game.  When I got home, I saw that it was a little swollen and that the nail turned from a light pink color to a pale white one.  The first few days were very painful, and there was a slight tingling sensation, but now I almost can't feel the pain unless something hits it in the wrong spot.  Walking barefoot is nearly painless, but it's still painful to walk around in shoes.  I'm not sure, but the toenail almost feels a bit loose.  Should I be concerned about any permanent damage to my toe, and should I seek medical attention from my doctor?

Answer
Dear K
This Chicago, Bartlett & Elmhurst Podiatrist says....

Sounds like you may loose your toenail.
Try to protect it with some gauze-not tape(which will hold in moisture). Try to leave the loose toenail on as long as possible to help protect the skin underneath. Let it come off on its own-hopefully a few weeks later. The new toenail will push out the old toenail. If it starts to bother you,then go see a good Board Certified Podiatrist.

Hope this helps!
Good Luck My Friend!

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

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