Heel pain from nail—bone contusion or ligament damage?

Question

Hello doctor,

I stepped on the head of a nail a week ago. Now, every time I step on that part of my heel, I get this sharp, searing, and burning feeling. Is this a bone contusion or did I damage any ligaments? What happened? Thank you for giving me an audience; it is extremely appreciated.

Answer 1

Hello and welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for contacting us.

You should put a warm bandage around your heel. In the picture you sent us (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), I was able to observe the swelling. You need to take some anti-inflammatory medications, which will help with the inflammation and pain. I would advise you to take:

1) Tablet of Diclofenac 50 mg, twice daily for 5 days. Always take this medication with food.

2) Tablet of Serratiopeptidase 15 mg, twice daily for 5 days, with or without food.

Do not worry, your ligaments did not rupture, and it would be unlikely that you contused a bone. When you stepped on the nail, was there any bleeding? If so, or if you sustained any kind of a puncture wound, did you get a Tetanus Toxoid injection? If not, you should immediately see a doctor about getting a tetanus injection.

You may also need to get an antibiotic from your doctor if the wound site became infected. I would advise you to have your family doctor take a look at your heel.

Wishing you excellent health.