Question
Hi, I jammed by left big toe about 2 weeks. ago. It hurt for days and I felt a lot of pressure. After 3 days, I saw the hematoma under the toenail. I relieved it and it drained. It was doing well. Now, 2 weeks later, the toeail, on the sides, is aching very badly. Ther is no redness or discharge. Also, the toenail is lifted completely except for its attachments to the side. As a result, the nail is very "curved" looking as it is lifting centrally. Could this be infected even without redness or discharge?

Answer
This Elmhurst, Illinois Podiatrist says....

You may have a fracture of the phalanx(the bones of the toes),or just a bone bruise-which would be painful from the movement of walking. Wrap the toe with a piece of elastic wrap and wrap to the ball of the foot to immobilize the big toe, and try to walk flat in a stiff shoe with short steps-if the pain goes away-then think fracture or bone bruise.
You can check our website online store for wraps and surgical shoes(to decrease movement)at AnkleNFoot.com for examples.
There is a chance the nail bed may be cut-which would need to be repaired to allow "normal" nail growth.That would hurt when you move the nail.
If the pain continues-or gets worse when you wrap-think infection-but more probable it's the above.
You should seek a consult from a qualified Podiatrist who usually can x-ray and read them within 20 minutes.
Hope this answers your question
Good Luck
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

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