why is my big toe swollen and red along nail?

Question

For about two weeks now, I've noticed a slowly increasing pain at the base of my big toe nail and the area is red and slightly swollen. What is it?

Answer 1

Paronychia: An infection that develops along the edge of the fingernail or toenail is called a paronychia (pear-ah-nik-ee-ah). It is the most common hand infection and, if left untreated, can progress to a more severe infection of the entire finger or toe. Paronychia can be caused by bacteria, candida and fungal infections. See your doctor for treatment.

Answer 2

Infection: See a podiatrist. You may need a part of the toenail removed to allow for proper drainage. Sometimes, an oral antibiotic may be necessary as well.

Answer 3

Yes: It is possible to surgically correct an old injury.

Answer 4

Yes: Toe fractures that have healed improperly can be fixed. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia/sedation in an outpatient facility. A pin will often be required and is removed after a few weeks. The key is to straighten the toe to avoid irritation of adjacent toes.

Answer 5

Not really: But i did hear once ( not confirmed) that many elite tennis players have high arched feet. So you can try your luck at tennis.

Answer 6

High arched: High arches usually accompany a rigid foot. This foot type is better for running and jumping.

Answer 7

Numb thumb: There too many possibilities to discuss in 400 characters. The nerve pathway goes from your brain through your neck and down your arm to your thumb. The problem could be anywhere along the way. It could be as simple as pressure on the digital nerve from sleeping the wrong way to a brain tumor. If you are concerned i suggest you get it looked at by a physician.

Answer 8

More information..: It is hard to speculate without more information: are any other fingers numb? Did you have an injury? How long has this been present? Does anything make it better or worse? Is it associated with any weakness? You really need to have an examination to get an intelligent answer. Good luck!

Answer 9

Rest, immobilization: Rest, splinting/taping toe. Ice, heat, antiinflammatory medications.

Answer 10

Stabilize It: The big toe is bent upwards with turf toe. One would need to keep it from bending with a surgical shoe and tape for about 6 weeks to get the best chance of healing. It may take up to one year before it does not hurt as soft tissue injuries are slow to heal.

Answer 11

Turftoe plates: Are a good idea. You slide them in most shoes and they work by not allowing bending of the joints between the toes and metatartsals.

Answer 12

Rest/ immobilize: Ice and anti-inflammatory medications may help control the pain. Unfortunately the best treatment for turf toe is rest. In severe cases, the use of crutches and complete avoidance of weight bearing may be required. you may also wish to look into a rigid insert to immobilize the joint. ((www.Drmarkgalland.Com 10/16/2012).

Answer 13

Maybe never: A arthritic joint will tend to have less range of motion and more stiffness but will not necessarily fuse. Surgery is normally required to fuse a joint. There are are other treatments for arthritis in the foot depending on the location, symptoms and function. See a podiatrist for evaulation and discussion of treatment options.

Answer 14

Unknown: Bone does not heal properly with movement. Depends on which joints are trying to fuse. In the best of circumstances it takes at least 6 weeks for bone to heal after surgery. One would need an x-ray and more information before answering a general question.

why is my big toe swollen and red along nail?

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