Question
QUESTION: Apprx. 30 lb. weight fell on big toe 9 days ago. Within one day, most of black/blue on foot disappeared.  Can do lots of walking, but toe itself still is very swollen/red, but slightly bendable. Underneath nail, still some blk/blue exists.  Is it normal for such length of time to heal and still be swollen at this point?

ANSWER: Hi Alanna and thanks for writing,

Your toe nail may very well be dying due to the severe trauma of having a 30lb weight dropped on it. Nails grow very slowly and similarly they die equally slowly. I had a big toe nail die years ago and it took weeks for it to go all black and completely fall off; then it took months for the new nail to grow back too.

Of course to be sure you should be examined by a qualified physician.

All my best,

Margot

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for the nail info.  I'm wondering about the swelling and redness.  Isn't 9 days too long for swelling to still be there?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi again,

I the toe is red and warm then you need to treat it for infection. Start with a topical ointment you can pick up at the local pharmacy; if the warmth or redness does not subside then you need to be examined by a qualified physician and possibly go on some antibiotics.

All my best,

Margot