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Heel pain from nail—bone contusion or ligament damage?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

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.
Answered by Dr. Mohammad Aamir

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mohammad Aamir is a caring and dedicated Pediatric Specialist committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of children from infancy through adolescence. He focuses on preventive care, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment, while creating a safe, supportive, and comforting environment for young patients. With a compassionate approach, he works closely with families to address concerns, encourage healthy growth, and promote optimal physical, emotional, and developmental milestones at every stage of childhood.

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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.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At November 3, 2014
Reviewed At June 27, 2024

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mohammad Aamir is a caring and dedicated Pediatric Specialist committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of children from infancy through adolescence. He focuses on preventive care, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment, while creating a safe, supportive, and comforting environment for young patients. With a compassionate approach, he works closely with families to address concerns, encourage healthy growth, and promote optimal physical, emotional, and developmental milestones at every stage of childhood.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Heel Pain from Nail Injury Awareness Builder

Stepped on a nail?

Five quick questions to help you understand the severity of your heel injury and whether you should seek medical attention.

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Dr. Mohammad Aamir
Dr. Mohammad Aamir

Internal Medicine

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Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Mohammad Aamir is a caring and dedicated Pediatric Specialist committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of children from infancy through adolescence. He focuses on preventive care, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment, while creating a safe, supportive, and comforting environment for young patients. With a compassionate approach, he works closely with families to address concerns, encourage healthy growth, and promote optimal physical, emotional, and developmental milestones at every stage of childhood.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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