Sorry about the yucky topic... but both of my big toes have been a bit puffy and sore -- for some time now, and I'm wondering if the cause is an ingrown nail. (My family has a history of bad experiences with podiatrists, so I guess I've put this off...)
My big toes hurt even to the slightest touch -- both hurt in the same place: the inside corner (and side) of the nail... (I just try to ignore any pain and not let anything touch the sore spots!) Anyone experience this in your big toe? Anyone with an ingrown toenail? What were your symptoms?
2006-10-16 10:20:38 · 5 answers · asked by bethiswriting 3 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Sounds like it could be one. Here's what I do to treat it at home since surgery hurts like hell on the toes.
Soak in epsom salts daily to draw out any infection.
Then raise the toe nail away from the toe to encourage the nail to grow out the right way. The easiest way to raise the toe nail is by using dental floss. Insert it under the toe nail and then tuck under the both ends. It may hurt when you first tuck it, but it will cure the problem by allowing the nail to grow beyond the site where it's ingrown.
2006-10-16 10:30:09 · answer #1 · answered by hawkthree 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to have the same thing. My problem was I wore a lot of flip flops and loose shoes. Then I went to boot camp, where you wear boots all day long. My big toes had the same problem going on. I noticed if you squeeze the right spot puss would come out. Yup that is an ingrown toenail. I didnt want surgery or anything, so I found the by leaving the nail just a little bit longer on that one corner prevents the nail from growing under the skin and causing the inflammation.
Give that a shot. If you think its starting to get infected of course see a doctor immediately. Hope this helps!
2006-10-16 10:25:52 · answer #2 · answered by mistersponge 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hate to be the bearer of bad news - but it really does sound like you have an ingrown toenail.
I can totally relate about podiatrists. I think people who choose to be podiatrists take some kind of weird pleasure in inflicting pain. : / Anything I've ever had done at a podiatrist's office was NOT a good experience.
Even so, I really urge you to make an appointment and get your feet looked at. I had the same symptoms you're having and it turned out to be an ingrown toenail. Hope you get this taken care of...
2006-10-16 10:32:45 · answer #3 · answered by loveblue 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really should go see a doctor.
An ingrown toenail can get infected and if not treated correctly the infection has the possibilty of spreading. You go even go to your regular doctor if you do not want to see a podiatrist. But I do believe you have an infection since you are describing pain when touched or moved.
2006-10-16 10:39:19 · answer #4 · answered by E_E 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well i had a really bad one in 9th grade, and both were ingrown..and i grew out of both without seeing a dr.
you have to cut your toenail straight across for awhile and it will grow back out..it did for me
2006-10-16 10:38:39 · answer #5 · answered by Julie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋