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Is Tetanus Shot Required After Injury From A Rusty Nail?
Question: I stepped on a rusty nail a couple of weeks ago. The puncture healed quick but a couple of days later the top of my foot was swollen and very sore to the point that I was limping, Since then, it has gotten better but it still aches and burns in the top of my foot and ankle. Should I be concerned?
Brief Answer:
May be due to temporary nerve damage
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcaremagic,
Disruption of nerve supply would be the most likely cause of the abnormal sensations that you are experiencing.
Abnormal nerve function. (neuropathy) , is the usual cause of sensations such as burning . This can occur as a result of trauma like you experienced.
There are different levels or types of nerve injury, the mildest being neurapraxia where there is temporary disturbance of movement of nerve information along the nerves. The nerve itself is still intact but healing can still take weeks in some cases.
Severe nerve injury can also occur, but is unlikely based on type of trauma that occurred. This is called neurotmesis ( nerve completely cut).
As mentioned, though your nerve trauma is likely mild, it can still take a few weeks for resolution. There are medications that can help reduce the discomfort.
You may want to consider visiting your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
May be due to temporary nerve damage
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcaremagic,
Disruption of nerve supply would be the most likely cause of the abnormal sensations that you are experiencing.
Abnormal nerve function. (neuropathy) , is the usual cause of sensations such as burning . This can occur as a result of trauma like you experienced.
There are different levels or types of nerve injury, the mildest being neurapraxia where there is temporary disturbance of movement of nerve information along the nerves. The nerve itself is still intact but healing can still take weeks in some cases.
Severe nerve injury can also occur, but is unlikely based on type of trauma that occurred. This is called neurotmesis ( nerve completely cut).
As mentioned, though your nerve trauma is likely mild, it can still take a few weeks for resolution. There are medications that can help reduce the discomfort.
You may want to consider visiting your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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