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Waiting for toenail to come off

I dropped something on my big toe a few days ago and it has been painful to walk on and the area behind the nail has filled with a purplish color of dried blood. Swelling has caused the nail to be slightly pushed up and seem slightly, but barely, loose. Blood has also filled up in a thin puffy section directly below(not behind) the nail. I assume this has occured because blood and swelling needed somewhere to go but the nail was in the way.
I have read on other posts that the nail might come off and will grow back within a year. Rather than wait for it to fall off, should I go to the Emergency room or to a Podiatrist to have it removed? If so, where should I go? It’s easier and quicker to go to the ER, but is it better to go to a private Podiatrist for help or will the people at the ER be just as well trained? This site is a great resource and I really appreciate the Doctors who use their own free time to answer questions.


1 Comment found

    Vivian Abrams DPM

    9 10

    Since I am a podiatrist, you have to assume I am going to recommend you see one. If this is a middle of the night emergency, then of course, the ER is the place to go. My observations are generally the ER doctors are not that skilled with nail problems. This of course can vary with the individual doctor. My recommendation is to have this seen about. The puffed up appearance is not a good thing.
    Good luck

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