“What to do about a broken toenail?”
I broke my toenail a few days ago. I cleaned it and bandaged it, but I don't know what else to do. It's the 4th toe and the nail is completely shattered. It's in about three pieces. One is still completely attached to the toe, and two are just barely hanging on by skin and roots. I tried to take off the broken pieces when it's healed some but it seemed to have grown back together? It still hurts three days after and I haven't taken the bandage off for two days. Two other toes are hurt but the nails are fine. They have these red bubbles where I hit them and they feel like pimples. I just want advice and reassurance that the nail will grow back, and if possible an estimated time.
Male | 14 years old
Complaint duration: 20/6/2022
Medications: Zyrtec (allergy medication)
Conditions: none
13 Answers
First and foremost, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with our podiatrist at Jose Loor Podiatry Practice for a comprehensive examination and diagnosis. Given the complexity of the injury, a professional evaluation is crucial to determine the best course of action for optimal healing.
In the meantime, here are some general recommendations:
Keep the Toe Clean: Continue to keep the area clean by gently washing it with mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could irritate the skin.
Bandaging: If you haven't done so already, continue to bandage the toe to protect it from further injury and maintain cleanliness. Regularly change the bandage to prevent infection.
Avoid Removing Pieces: It's advisable not to forcibly remove any remaining pieces of the broken toenail, as this could cause additional trauma. Let the healing process progress naturally.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, as recommended by a healthcare professional, can help manage pain and inflammation.
To schedule your appointment, please call us at (917) 821-0862 or visit our website at [https://joseloorpodiatry.com/]. Our team is here to provide the care and reassurance you need during this time.
In the meantime, here are some general recommendations:
Keep the Toe Clean: Continue to keep the area clean by gently washing it with mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could irritate the skin.
Bandaging: If you haven't done so already, continue to bandage the toe to protect it from further injury and maintain cleanliness. Regularly change the bandage to prevent infection.
Avoid Removing Pieces: It's advisable not to forcibly remove any remaining pieces of the broken toenail, as this could cause additional trauma. Let the healing process progress naturally.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, as recommended by a healthcare professional, can help manage pain and inflammation.
To schedule your appointment, please call us at (917) 821-0862 or visit our website at [https://joseloorpodiatry.com/]. Our team is here to provide the care and reassurance you need during this time.
Hi! I would recommend seeing a podiatrist for further evaluation
Whenever there is trauma to the nail it is possible that mail could grow back as a it was before or that mail changes may be permanent
If it is not painful treat to control or prevent infection and in time the nail will grow out and a new nail will replace the old but whatever occurs could be permanent
Now if it is painful you have to determine the cause of the pain as it could be a fracture or s
o ft tissue injury that is open or closed
If it is determined the nail is contributing I’m to the pain the nail may have to be removed whole or in part If it is to painful to remove the nail as it is attached to underlying tissue, in order to remove the nail an anesthetic may need to be performed by a person that can remove the nail under adequate anesthesia and treat any break in the skin appropriately
Than you wait to see how the nail grows in over the next 6-12 months and if happy with what you have you’re done
If you are unhappy with how it looks or feels you can see a doctor and he will discuss with you your options.
Jan David Tepper DPM,FACFAS
CEO Family Foot & Ankle Center
984 West Foothill Boulevard, Suite B
Upland, California 91786
O 909-920-0884
F 909/920-9810
WWW.drtepper.com
JDTDPM@aol.com
If it is not painful treat to control or prevent infection and in time the nail will grow out and a new nail will replace the old but whatever occurs could be permanent
Now if it is painful you have to determine the cause of the pain as it could be a fracture or s
o ft tissue injury that is open or closed
If it is determined the nail is contributing I’m to the pain the nail may have to be removed whole or in part If it is to painful to remove the nail as it is attached to underlying tissue, in order to remove the nail an anesthetic may need to be performed by a person that can remove the nail under adequate anesthesia and treat any break in the skin appropriately
Than you wait to see how the nail grows in over the next 6-12 months and if happy with what you have you’re done
If you are unhappy with how it looks or feels you can see a doctor and he will discuss with you your options.
Jan David Tepper DPM,FACFAS
CEO Family Foot & Ankle Center
984 West Foothill Boulevard, Suite B
Upland, California 91786
O 909-920-0884
F 909/920-9810
WWW.drtepper.com
JDTDPM@aol.com
I would recommend trimming all the nails that isn't still attached. The loose nail can get caught in a sock and be torn off. I would apply Neosporin cream and a bandaid as well. If the toe is still red, it is possible you may have an infection. It's also possible the toe may be broken. It takes 6 months to a year for a new nail to regrow. The nail should grow back. It should grow back normally, but it is possible the nail regrows differently than before or doesn't grow back at all. I would recommend making an appointment with your local podiatrist to make sure you didnt break your toe.
Dr. Jason
Dr. Jason
Trauma to the nail complete can sometimes affect how toenail grows in the future. If the toenail root is affected by trauma, such as blunt force than this could affect how the toenail grows in the future. If the nail shattered into three pieces I would recommend the have and looked at by physician, and possibly x-rays to make sure is no injury to the underlying bone. Sometimes the nail needs to be removed to allow for proper healing.
Jonathan M. Kletz, DPM
Texas Foot WorksDallas, Athens and Gun Barrel City Texas214-340-8885
Jonathan M. Kletz, DPM
Texas Foot WorksDallas, Athens and Gun Barrel City Texas214-340-8885
If the mail is completely shattered and have hematoma covering more than 75% of the mail bed then it has to be removed completely and let a new one grow.
Hello, Thank you for your question.
How was the nail damaged? Through kicking something, dropping something on the toe, or tight shoes??
When the nail is damaged, the nail root will produce a new nail. If the nail root was damaged the nail that grows can sometimes be deformed. Toenails grow a lot slower than fingernails. Complete nail growth can take up to a year. The broken pieces, the ones that are loose will come off on their own or can be pulled off depending on how much they are still attached to the nail bed. It is a good idea to soak the toe in some warm salt water and after an antibiotic ointment be applied and a bandaid. Once the new nail starts growing the old nail will be pushed out. It is normal to feel some pain. However, if there was trauma on the toe, it's a good idea also to get an Xray to make sure the toe is not broken. Watch for any signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling or pus drainage. If there is an infection, sometimes oral antibiotics are needed.
How was the nail damaged? Through kicking something, dropping something on the toe, or tight shoes??
When the nail is damaged, the nail root will produce a new nail. If the nail root was damaged the nail that grows can sometimes be deformed. Toenails grow a lot slower than fingernails. Complete nail growth can take up to a year. The broken pieces, the ones that are loose will come off on their own or can be pulled off depending on how much they are still attached to the nail bed. It is a good idea to soak the toe in some warm salt water and after an antibiotic ointment be applied and a bandaid. Once the new nail starts growing the old nail will be pushed out. It is normal to feel some pain. However, if there was trauma on the toe, it's a good idea also to get an Xray to make sure the toe is not broken. Watch for any signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling or pus drainage. If there is an infection, sometimes oral antibiotics are needed.
I would see a podiatrist and get this taken care of properly. A nail takes 6-9 months to regrow
sounds like this is a serious and involved condition, I recommend seeing a podiatrist for treatment options.
You usually just have to wait for the new toenail to grow out, which can take around 9 months
I recommend seeing a specialist to consider removing the toenail to alleviate pain and discomfort. Within 3-4 months the nail will return and have a good outcome.
Seek Podiatric assistance for treatment.
I recommend you schedule an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) for diagnosis and treatment options.
