“What should I do with a smashed toe?”
I dropped a heavy object on my toe today and underneath the nail has become black (definitely bruising or bleeding underneath) and it's red and inflamed around the nail. I can move my toe just fine, but the pain is a deep ache. What should I do? I currently am not in a position where I can drive to the doctor at the moment. I've taken Advil and kept it elevated so far.
Female | 18 years old
Complaint duration: Today (1/15/22)
Medications: Metformin
Conditions: Type 2 Diabetes, PCOS
17 Answers
Foot&AnkleSurgeonPodiatrist
Given the severity of the symptoms and the potential for underlying issues, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. Dr. Jose Loor, our experienced podiatrist, can provide a thorough examination and recommend appropriate treatment.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Loor, visit joseloorpodiatry.com or call (646) 631-8861 when you're able.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Loor, visit joseloorpodiatry.com or call (646) 631-8861 when you're able.
If you can make two punctures with a syringe needle to drain the bleeding, you release the pressure and the pain goes away.
The best way to remove the nail is under local anesthesia. Clean the clotted blood with caisson not to traumatize the mail bed. Will regrow in 99 days.
Rest, ice and elevate until you can get to the doctor. X-rays are in order to make sure you did not fracture the toe, and the toenail may also need attention.
Sorry I just saw your question today, this injury occurred about 2 months ago. If you are not going to see a podiatrist who could drill a hole in the nail and evacuate the blood or hematoma then just protecting the toenail is about all you can do. If the nail becomes loose and needs to be removed temporarily by a podiatrist. Because this is now 2 months old I would be drilling a hole in the nail because, at this point the blood under the nail is solidified or dried. Monitor the nail, because with all the blood under the nail and diabetes you are at risk for fungus toenails. As a diabetic you should be seeing a podiatrist every year no matter what to evaluate your foot, they could evaluate this as well.
If it’s not actively blessing just let it grow out. Protect it by keeping all the pressure off of it. Seek treatment by a professional foot doctor.
You have a do you have a subungual hematoma . Which is blood under your nail. Most likely you will lose your nail and it will grow back. If you start to get a red toe. Go see your doctor.
I recommend you to see a podiatrist or urgent care asap, the blood under the nail need to be drained.
You should try to see an orthopedic or podiatry specialist as soon as arrangements can be made. Especially as you are diabetic, you are prone to potential complications. An x-ray must be obtained to rule out a fracture. Sometimes the bleeding underneath the nail can cause excessive pain which can be relieved by making a small hole in the nail to let the blood out which will help her pain a lot. Continue elevation and when you walk use a stiff-soled shoe.
I would suggest that you use ice, but considering you’re a diabetic from your medication, I would suggest that you do secure primary care physician or urgent care to make the appropriate diagnosis to make sure you do not have complications.
I’m not following why you are not in a position to seek medical care. Best case scenario is you have a contusion with subungual bleeding which will lead to the nail falling off on its own. Worst case is you may have a fracture that needs to be evaluated and have a laceration of the nail bed. Your type 2 DM is a consequence of the PCOS. At your age, I doubt you have vascular or neurological manifestations. Such being the case, you need to take precautions not to develop any infection from a subungual wound. Again, you need to be evaluated by a podiatrist.
You should probably see a doctor when you get a chance because you may have a fracture of the bone and the nail may have to be removed. For now, all you can do is to continue what you're doing and soaking in epson salt and lukewarm water
You always need a X-ray to rule out fracture or dislocation. Just because it does not hurt today does not mean it will not hurt tomorrow. In addition, sometimes it's prudent to remove the nail and start again as a loose nail may become infected.
The dark discoloration is secondary to bleeding under the nail (subungual hematoma) from the trauma. We don't really do much for a broken toe, but you can get it x-rayed to find out if it is broken. If the toe is painful, you can have the nail plate removed or drilled into to drain the hematoma, but not totally necessary
I recommend you make an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) for diagnosis and treatment options. You will likely need to have that nail removed
Yes the discoloration is bleeding beneath the nail plate. Given the fact that you are Diabetic it is absolutely essential that you be evaluated medically ASAP. As a Diabetic your body is immunocompromised and does not react to injuries in the same manner as a non-Diabetic. You need an x-ray to be sure there is no fracture and you need to be monitored to be sure an infection does not develop. I recommend you be examined by a Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Given you are diabetic, I would not encourage any home management such as trying to drain the hematoma, collection of blood under the nail. She likely will lose the nail down the road, so if it becomes loose, try to clip it back so it does not get traumatically ripped off while putting on her socks and shoes. When we X-ray her making sure nothing is fractured however centered on a position to go get it checked, try a more firm supportive shoe because that will limit how much pressure goes on the toe, and ice and elevate as needed, protecting her skin as your diabetic and being conscientious of how much time you are applying the ice.
