<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toenail injury <\/strong>is a common occurrence and may be caused by direct trauma, pressure from footwear, or repeated minor injuries (e.g. in athletes). In many cases, it leads to bleeding beneath the nail (subungual haematoma<\/strong>), which may cause pain, discoloration, or even detachment of the nail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Causes of Nail Injury and Haematoma<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Direct trauma<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Dropping a heavy object onto the nail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Impact against a hard surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Repetitive microtrauma from sports activities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Common in runners, football players, and hikers, due to continuous pressure of the shoes on the toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Tight or inappropriate footwear<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Shoes that compress the toes may cause nail injury and haematoma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Repeated pressure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 This occurs in people who walk a lot or stand for many hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Onychogryphosis or curved nails<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Abnormal nail growth may increase the likelihood of injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Dark red, blue, or black discoloration under the nail (subungual haematoma).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Pain and tenderness in the nail and toe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Possible nail detachment if the injury is severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Swelling and inflammation around the nail, especially if infection is also present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Management and Treatment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Home treatment for mild injuries<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Cryotherapy: Applying ice to the area for 10\u201315 minutes, several times a day, to reduce pain and swelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Elevation of the foot: Helps reduce swelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Avoidance of tight shoes that may place additional pressure on the injured nail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Pain relief medication (e.g. ibuprofen or paracetamol) if the pain is significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Treatment for severe subungual haematomas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Drainage of the haematoma (only by a specialist): If the haematoma causes significant pain, a podiatrist may perforate the nail to release the blood and relieve the pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Antibiotics if there are signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Protective splint or dressing to stabilise the nail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 If the nail detaches, the area should be kept clean and the new nail growth should be monitored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Prevention of Nail Injuries<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Maintaining the nails at the proper length.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Using appropriate footwear with sufficient room for the toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Use of orthotic insoles, which help maintain the correct position of the foot inside the shoe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n When to Visit the Podiatrist<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 If the haematoma is extensive, as drainage, ideally within 48 hours of the injury, helps reduce the likelihood of nail detachment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 If the pain is severe and does not improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 If the nail appears to be detaching completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 If there are signs of infection (redness, swelling, fluid discharge, unpleasant odour).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 If the nail does not return to its normal condition after a few weeks.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Toenail injuries <\/strong>and subungual haematomas <\/strong>are common conditions that may cause pain and temporary nail deformity. With proper care, appropriate footwear, and timely treatment by a podiatrist when necessary, symptoms can be relieved effectively and complications can be prevented.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Toenail injury is a common occurrence and may be caused by direct trauma, pressure from footwear, or repeated minor injuries (e.g. in athletes). <\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":871,"parent":0,"menu_order":8,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"category":[40],"class_list":["post-717","pathology","type-pathology","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","pathology_category-pathiseis-nychion-2"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n