Expert: Dr. Marc Katz - 7/3/2009

Question
I believe that I have somehow injured my toenail. It's been about a month and
a half. It started with seeping. Then it would bleed a little bit. Now the
seeping has stopped but there is still bleeding at times. Since the beginning,
there has been NO pain. My first thought was maybe I cut my nails
improperly. But research tells me that an ingrown toenail is very painful!  I
don't even know it's bleeding until I look at it.
I don't recall how it was injured. My only idea is that maybe it was exercise
equipment. I have a Gazelle Freestyle. It tends to push my feet forward in my
shoes as I'm using it. Could that maybe have been the problem? I haven't
used it in about 3 weeks now. But my toe doesn't seem to be getting better.
I'm just wondering what could be wrong with it. Again, there's no pain. I find
that very strange. Not that I want pain! But it just seems odd that there's no
pain with the seeping and bleeding. I hope I've provided enough information.
Thank you for your time! I'm desperate here.  

Answer
Hi Molly,

This sounds like an injury to the side of the nail and it can come from cutting improperly. In some cases there is minimal pain, however this may be infected and can become painful.  I would see a podiatrist for treatment.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com

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