I had a badly ingrown toenail on my right foot so I went to the doctor to have it treated. He cut the right part of the nail out and killed the nerve so it wouldn't grow back. However, a new problem emerged: the portion of my big toe to the lower right of the nail is now swollen, reddish/purple, and sensitive to pressure. Also, sometimes when I walk I get a brief tingling/pain sensation throughout the entire toe--it feels like the bone instead my toe if that makes sense. I started an antibiotic before the operation and finished it 7 days later for a total of 10 days.

I went back to the doctor again and he was completely perplexed. He thought maybe he some how didn't get all of the nail removed at the root and it was trying to grow back in so I had the procedure done again. A week later, the problem is still there, just as bad as ever--swollen and sore. Again, this is near the lower right corner of the nail, not the top right where it was originally ingrown. So I go back again and he gives me a stronger antibiotic to try. 3-4 days in I haven't noticed any improvement.

Has anyone ever heard of this before??

OMG reading what you wrote was like I was reading my own story. Just last week I had my two big toe nails removed and I am in constant pain. Below the bottom of my toe nail is red/purple and very swoollen and I keep getting sharp pains in it.

Are you still having the same problem???

Cazza

Dear Ryan
Sometimes following an ingrown toe nail procedure, a patient will get residual swelling, intermmitent pain and a purpulish discoloration. I notice that more frequently in patients who have had a procedure with phenol and alcohol. The phenol and alcohol procedure sometimes causes more drainage and affects the surrounding tissue. Another possible explaination may be a spicule left in the area. You need to go back and see your doctor for re-evaluation.

Good-luck and thank-you for contacting foot.com,
SBarlizo, DPM, C Ped
foot.com expert