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Throbbing Toenail Pain— What to Do?

Dealing with throbbing toenail pain can be a… Well, pain! Whether you’re wincing with every step or notice an uncomfortable feeling now and then, foot discomfort may significantly impact your life. In any case, it’s crucial to have a podiatrist assess your toenail, toe, and feet in general to determine the cause and find the appropriate treatment. Your toenail deserves relief, and you deserve to get back on your feet— so let’s get into it! 

This article explores what throbbing toenail pain may mean and the possible treatment options. For personalised advice, contact our team at Foot and Leg Pain Centre today. 

The Causes of Throbbing Toenail Pain

Throbbing toenail pain has several possible causes. It may be as easily fixed as removing your shoes if they’re too tight, while some may require assistance from a podiatrist or other healthcare professional.

Some possible causes include:

1. Ingrown Toenail

Throbbing toenail pain is often due to an ingrown toenail. This usually affects the big toe but can happen to any toe. Common symptoms include:

  • Tenderness
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Swelling

Ingrown toenails are typically caused by wearing shoes that are too small in the toe box, too short toenails, improper nail cutting, having curved toenails, and injuring the toenail. They’re most common for teenagers and those with conditions that cause poor blood flow, such as diabetes.

In some cases, home remedies such as soaking the affected foot may relieve pain, while more severe or chronic cases typically require assistance from a podiatrist. Podiatry treatments may include bracing or taping the nail, lifting it and placing a splint under it, or a partial nail avulsion (partial nail removal). If you have diabetes or a condition that reduces your ability to care for your nails, it’s recommended that you see a podiatrist regularly to monitor for and address ingrown toenails.

 2. Toenail Trauma

Toenail trauma may be something as recognisable as stubbing your toe or happen without you even realising! Repetitive exercises like running and kicking a ball or falling or dropping something heavy on your foot are all ways you can injure your toenail. Other than pain, toenail trauma symptoms include:

  • A bruise under the toenail, known as a subungual hematoma
  • Feeling pressure under the toenail
  • Seeing a separation of the toenail and the surrounding skin

If the injury is minor, bruising may disappear, and the pain reduces daily. At-home remedies like wearing comfortable shoes, elevating your foot, and taking over-the-counter pain medication for a short period may relieve the pain. 

However, if the pain is severe or persists, it’s best to consult a podiatrist. If there is blood under the nail, they should be able to drain it for you, which may reduce the pain. Don’t attempt to do this yourself, as you may cause an infection.

3. Paronychia

Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the fingernails and toenails. It’s more common in fingernails but may occur in toenails as well. This is most likely when you’ve injured the toenail or have an ingrown toenail, as these conditions make it easier for bacteria to enter the body and cause the infection.

Symptoms of paronychia include:

  • Pain under or around the toenail
  • Warm skin in the affected area
  • Redness around the toe
  • Swollen toe
  • Pus coming from the nail
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Nausea

For some people, at-home treatment, such as soaking your feet in warm water, may be all that’s needed. In any case, monitoring your symptoms and seeking medical attention if they worsen is crucial. 

Anybody, particularly those with weakened immune systems such as diabetics, who notices a collection of pus should see their doctor to have the infection drained. If left alone, it may lead to a potentially serious infection called cellulitis, which may look like red streaks on your leg, fever, nausea, and vomiting. If you notice these symptoms, it is a medical emergency, and you should go to the emergency department as soon as possible.

4. Fungal Infections

A fungal infection that affects the toenails is called onychomycosis, while an infection that affects the skin of the feet and toes is called tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot. Symptoms may include:

  • Thickening of the toenail
  • Discolouration of the toenail
  • Splitting of the toenail
  • Painful toes
  • Painful feet
  • Itchy toes
  • Itchy feet
  • Peeling skin between the toes
  • Redness in the affected area

Sometimes, a medicated nail polish may be all that’s required to treat these fungal infections. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, it may be best to see a podiatrist for evaluation and possible treatment options. 

When to Seek Medical Attention for Throbbing Toenail Pain 

Regardless of the possible causes of your toenail pain, monitoring your symptoms to note if they worsen is important. Seek treatment if:

  • The pain continues or worsens despite at-home treatment
  • The pain prevents you from walking and/or wearing shoes
  • You notice pus or discharge coming from the nail
  • You notice red streaks on your foot or leg
  • You have diabetes and notice any foot-related problems such as toenail pain 

See Us at Foot and Leg Pain Centre 

Throbbing toenail pain is no walk in the park! Whether you suspect you have an ingrown toenail or a fungal infection, addressing your toenail pain with a podiatrist may be the first step to relieving it. At Foot and Leg Pain Centre, we’re dedicated to providing the personalised treatment you deserve to get you back on your feet. To get started on freeing your feet, contact us today. 

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