Question
Three weeks ago I stubbed my big toe and it tore my nail deeply on one side.  I kept bumping it that next day and a couple of days later it was very sore and had a bit of puss coming from the corner of it.  I treated it with Neosporin and Band-Aids for a few days and it cleared up.  It's a week later now and I'm having these massive sharp pains shooting through my toe.  It feels like a needle is being shoved under my toe nail. It seems to come from the end of my toe and not the joint.  It lasts for 15 to 30 seconds.  It doesn't matter if I'm standing, sitting or in bed.  It's not constant (it's very random) and the toe IS NOT sore or swollen.  But the pain is so sharp it takes my breath away.  I find my self counting out loud so I can get through it.  It's like the shooting pain comes out of no where.

What could it be???

Answer
HI Julie,

When you injured your toe, you likely had some nerve damage that may cause severe sudden pain.  However, you still may have an infection and it is possible that you could have a fracture.  I would see a podiatrist for an evaluation.  Nerve pain will typically resolve with time.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com

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