Question
I am a 73 year old diabetic controlled by insulin send tablets daily. I took up crown green bowling 3 years ago and have had problems with my big toenails,particularly in the past two years,I have regularly seen a podiatrist who has cut away the big toenails and seen a doctor who has prescribed antibiotics which seems to have cleared any infection at the side of my nail.This year I have been prescribed a two week cause of augmentin twice the latter finishes tomorrow.My symptoms continue of excruciating pain mostly at night in my left big toenail whereby it feels like an ingrowing toenail near the top corner of the groping part of my nail.The pain eases somewhat during the day.I have a dressing on this big toe which include an inodin plaster. The pain feels like having iodine poured into the open wound.The toes next to my big toe are red in color and the top of my foot was swollen but has now receded since the antibiotics.I would appreciate your thoughts on what this could be.
Thank you.

Answer
Hi Brian,

You should have an x-ray to make sure there is no bone infection.  I would consider a vascular exam to make sure you have adequate flow to the toes.  If you continue to have ingrown nails, you can have them permanently corrected.  In some cases diabetic neuropathy can cause pain in the toes.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com
http://www.tampacryosurgery.com
http://www.notoenailfungus.com

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