Experiencing Pain After a Digital Nerve Block Procedure on My Toe
I am a 39-year-old male weighing 170 pounds. On January 30, I underwent a procedure to address a small ingrown toenail. Initially, the plan was to remove the side of the nail, but after the anesthesia took effect, I opted for a slanted extraction instead. The ingrown area has improved; however, I now experience discomfort on the outer and underside of my toe, which I suspect is a result of the vigorous numbing technique used during the procedure. The sensation resembles a sharp electric shock or a persistent prick that is quite bothersome. The pain intensifies when I bend my toe, move it side to side, or apply weight to it while standing. I can identify a small tendon in that area that seems to be the source of the irritation. Could there be inflammation in the nerve? Or is it a tendon issue? What are the potential solutions? Will this improve with time? It has been around 12 days since the procedure, and the discomfort has persisted and even seems to be worsening rather than subsiding.
Answers (1)
2/10/2026, 4:50:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing ongoing discomfort following your ingrown toenail procedure, which can be concerning. Pain in the area could arise from several sources, including irritation of surrounding nerves, inflammation, or even issues related to the tendon you mentioned. Let’s break down what might be happening and decide on the next steps.
Main Points:
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Possibilities for the Pain: Your symptoms may be related to nerve irritation or inflammation post-procedure. The sharp, electric-like sensations can indicate nerve involvement, while the tenderness when moving your toe suggests that the tendon or the surrounding soft tissues might be affected as well.
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Time for Healing: After a procedure like yours, some discomfort can be normal. However, since you’re noticing increasing pain rather than improvement, it’s important to address this sooner rather than later.
Potential Explanations:
- Nerve Irritation: Following the use of a nerve block, it’s possible for nerves to become irritated. This irritation might not resolve quickly and can lead to ongoing discomfort.
- Tendonitis or Soft Tissue Inflammation: Moving your toe and applying pressure can exacerbate inflammation in the soft tissues or tendons, especially if they were stressed during the procedure.
Next Steps:
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Modify Activity: Reduce activities that may aggravate your toe, such as bending or putting weight on it. Consider using a cushioned shoe to relieve pressure while moving around.
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Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs wrapped in a towel to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day. This can help reduce swelling and numb any sharp pain.
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Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Consider taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen to help reduce pain and inflammation, provided you have no contraindications for these medications.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on how your symptoms evolve over the next several days. If the pain worsens further, or if you notice any signs of infection (like increased redness, warmth, or drainage), it would be wise to follow up more urgently.
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Gentle Range of Motion: After a few days of rest and ice, if pain allows, begin gently moving your toe to maintain flexibility. Do this slowly and within a pain-free range.
If you see no improvement in the next week or if symptoms worsen, it would be advisable to seek a professional evaluation as there may be further interventions needed depending on your specific condition. Take care of yourself, and keep in tune with how your body is responding.
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