What are my toe supposed to look like after nails removed ?
Sounds like a strange question doesn’t it?
I had matrix removal on both large toes.
No particular reason I just wanted to see what it would look like.
Just kidding!
I had it done because of chronic ingrown toenails and toenail fungus.
I know this may be hard to believe but compared to the pain of the ingrown toenails and the pressure of growing mushrooms under my nails, the post op pain was nothing.
However, now that three weeks has passed I’m starting to wonder what my toes will eventually look like after they are completely healed sans nails.
I mean they are healing up fine, but the nail bed is red and sort of gross looking and it looks as if I have painted my big “non-existent” toenails red.
I would ask the man that removed them but I don’t think he is a real doctor.
I mean he had me drink a 1/2 quart of Tequila, and then pried my nails off with a large Craftsman screwdriver.
Then he squirted that Roundup stuff that kills weeds on my toes and said that would kill the roots so I’m not sure he would know the answer.Does the nail bed finally dry up and fall off, or does the nail bed always stay there.
Or is that just the remnants of the nail fungus?
My nails were about an 1/8th of an inch thick, I had to cut them with bolt cutters and a chisel so I’m glad they’re gone!So I was just wondering what my tootsies will look like when they are healed.
Is there such a thing as Lee Press On Toe Nails ?
Just kidding again!
Thanks!Greg Lousignont, Ph.D.
2 comments
Vivian Abrams DPM
Without seeing it or an x-ray it is difficult to give an answer. Are the bones in good position? iIf not, this might be the reason. Are you experiencing a great deal of swelling? Was your toe splinted?
Suzanne
When they x-rayed it at the hospital, they showed me on the x-ray where it was broken, sort of near the base of the toe, but they said the bone was in position, to just keep it taped up. I have kept it splinted to the next toe since then (2 1/2 weeks ago). When I take the tape off and compare it to my other foot, there is a space between that toe and the next one. On my other foot (my good one) the toes are flush against each other. My main concern is that I still cannot move that toe at all. I had swelling in the toe and foot and a lot of bruising in the beginning, but it is gone now. This may all be perfectly normal. I’m just not sure. Maybe I need to keep it splinted a little longer? How long does it usually take before you can move it again? Thank you so much for your help!!
Vivian Abrams DPM
Usually I tell patients to keep a broken toe splinted for up to 6 weeks. It is probably too soon for you to try moving the toe. Let it heal some more. The swelling is (hopefully) temporary. If you have concerns after several more weeks about the healing get another x-ray.
Suzanne
Thank you so much for your help!