Subungual hematoma may sound like a complicated medical term, but it actually describes a common condition that occurs when you get an injury under a fingernail or toenail. The condition usually isn’t serious, but if an injury to your toe is causing pain, a foot specialist can help to relieve the discomfort. Below is a brief guide to subungual hematomas.

What Is a Subungual Hematoma?

When the nail bed under your toenails or fingernails gets injured, it may bleed or become bruised. Blood vessels break, which causes blood to collect under the nail. This creates a buildup of pressure.

The main symptoms you will feel are throbbing and pain, which can sometimes be quite strong. You will also be able to see the injury because there will be dark red or purple discoloration under the affected nail. When the blood starts to clot, it will become dark brown or black.

What Are the Causes?

Subungual hematomas are caused by trauma, such as trapping your finger in a door, stubbing your toe, or dropping something heavy on your foot.

It is sometimes also caused by footwear, especially if you take part in sports and don’t have the right size shoes. If your footwear is too small, and you make a lot of stop-start movements, the pressure on the front of the foot can cause blood vessels to break. 

How Is It Treated?

If the injury is not painful, the condition should heal on its own without medical treatment. However, if you are experiencing pain from this type of injury, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

The bones in your toes or fingers could have been fractured, which would have to be confirmed by an X-ray. If the injury is under your toenail, a foot specialist can relieve the pressure and reduce pain by performing decompression to drain the blood. 

If you have a subungual hematoma under a toenail, Dr. Eric D. Trattner in Cleveland, OH, will relieve the pain and help get you moving again as soon as possible. This experienced foot specialist has been in the business for 30 years, and he uses state-of-the-art techniques, such as minimally invasive treatments and a breakthrough solution for nail fungus. He also treats corns and calluses, bone spurs, heel pain, and many other foot conditions. Call (440) 333-5350 to schedule a free consultation or visit online for more information.