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Original poster

When they stick a needle through nail to relieve pressure.....

28 replies

LondonBus · 15/06/2013 18:18

.........do they give any pain releif?

DS has very purple big toe nail as a result of it being squashed. The nurse at the walk in center said she could put a needle through to relieve pressure, but DS was adamant he didn't want her to. The nurse said to come back at anytime if he changed his mind.

Last night he had trouble sleeping because of the pain, and at midnight he was sobbing. He's been OKish today, but wants to know if he will have any pain relief before they put the needle in. I'm thinking relieving the pressure is the pain relief.

OP posts:

MegaClutterSlut · 15/06/2013 18:39

Sounds bloody sore! I would imagine they would try and numb the area first? cringing at the thought

catmadcaz · 15/06/2013 18:50

You are right relieving the pressure is the pain relief. I doubt they would inject the finger to numb it as it would proabably hurt more than piercing the nail.

I dropped two bricks on my finger a few weeks ago. Although it was very painful/swollen that day I could not face the piercing throught the nail. So just left it and although the entire nail is black it is now painfree. I am just keeping it trimmed as it begins to grow as it lifts up on the edges.

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 15/06/2013 18:54

They did this to DD and it didn't seem to hurt her, and it relieved the pain straight away.

headlesslambrini · 15/06/2013 18:57

I dropped a wheel clamp on my toe once, I had the needle through the nail. They didn't numb it because there are no nerves there apparently. It did not hurt until they applied pressure to release the fluid then I hit the ceiling and promptly fainted TBF though I went in on crutches and was able to walk out relatively pain free. The nail did come off after a couple of days but it didn't hurt when growing back.

headlesslambrini · 15/06/2013 18:58

I should add that I wobble at anything and am not brave in the slightest. I would suggest a bribe

mrsmindcontrol · 15/06/2013 18:58

Hospital did this to my 2yr old DS with no pain relief. It didn't hurt at all (no nerve endings in the toenail) & instantly relieved the pressure & pain.
Mind you, he was petrified at the thought of it, as I would be.

BoreOfWhabylon · 15/06/2013 18:59

It doesn't need pain relief - the nail itself has no nerves and the hole allows the blood underneath to escape, thus relieving the pressure and the pain.

BUT if it is left too long the blood will have clotted and will be unable to escape through the hole.

Just remind him that nails have no feeling, which is why we don't need pain relief to trim them.

Thistledew · 15/06/2013 19:01

It doesn't hurt to go through the nail. DH and I have both done it ourselves at home for black toenails. One method is to heat a straightened-out metal paper in the gas stove (holding it in tongs) and use it to burn a small hole in the nail. It takes a couple of goes to get through but is surprisingly effective and you don't have to use that much pressure as you are burning rather than pushing your way through!

Tinkerisdead · 15/06/2013 19:02

I had it when i was about 10 and they heated the needle then kind of branded their way through. I cant describe it any other way. It didnt hurt but i was petrified as i really thought i'd be burned. The relief was instant and my nail fell off afterwards.

Tinkerisdead · 15/06/2013 19:03

Ahh see cross posts i was right that they burned through and yes actually it wasnt a needle it was indeed a paperclip that the hospital used! Heated up in a little burning rope.

SauvignonBlanche · 15/06/2013 19:04

The pain relief will be instant.

TotallyBursar · 15/06/2013 19:04

It would be unusual for it to hurt - keratin is dead and the needle is placed into the void of fluid or air that is putting the painful pressure on the nail bed. Relieving that pressure is almost instant pain relief.

Doing something like a ring block will hurt - a needle is inserted several times to the nerve and local (depending on your personal tolerance) stings - I am a clumsy git and just find it stings, I've accompanied others who have been reduced to tears. Then a few hours later you get horrible pins and needles that you just have to ride out - I've had it last for 2 hours all the while making me feel sick, left me tender in more areas too with nice collections of wee bruises.

I don't bother now I hate local so much - to the point I had to argue with the Doctors who set my broken hand, 20 minutes gritting your teeth with a dose of painkiller or hanging around for half an hour to get numb then waiting for it to wear off and still being sore afterwards, nope. Not for me. I fully accept you ignoring my comment after that though!

Has he got a bit stuck on the thought of it as it hurts so much right now? Poor thing, but biting the bullet is better than sleepless nights, tiredness makes pain more difficult to manage - it hurting so much he's crying . It will most definitely feel better and it's very quick.

TotallyBursar · 15/06/2013 19:06

Massive x post sorry, I'm on my phone and it takes ages to post a comment

ohmeohmyforgotlogin · 15/06/2013 19:12

Had this done last week, use special hot lance. Didn't hurt till she squeezed it.

Original poster

LondonBus · 15/06/2013 19:17

How long is too long to leave it? I'm presuming the blood with have clotted now, as he did it on Thursday evening!

I feel bad for not taking him in the night, but DH was out and DD was asleep.

OP posts:

ohmeohmyforgotlogin · 15/06/2013 19:34

I injured myself Tuesday and had it one Friday

BoreOfWhabylon · 15/06/2013 19:37

If it's still hurting then worth taking him along this evening.

Original poster

LondonBus · 15/06/2013 19:42

It can't be hurting that much now as he's saying he doesn't want to inconvenience them by throwing up on the floor.

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yomellamoHelly · 15/06/2013 19:48

When I broke my toe they actually burnt a hole through the nail. Didn't smell very nice, but certainly didn't hurt any more than it already was iyswim. Relief when it was done was immediate though.

MeerkatMerkin · 15/06/2013 19:55

I had this done to my thumbnail age 10. It was excruciating, but they didn't heat the needle, just applied loads of pressure to force it through. It really hurt. Afterwards it didn't seem to make much difference, although I do realise it may have been botched.

Original poster

LondonBus · 16/06/2013 19:17

He's asked to go and have it poked! DH is taking him!

OP posts:

GobbySadcase · 16/06/2013 19:20

If it helps I had this done to my big toe nail and I was terrified (squeamish about nails).

The needle goes through with heat, not force. Therefore there is a split second of slight burn, honestly it's tiny and nothing like the pain you've been in with the build up of pressure, then amazing relief!

Original poster

LondonBus · 16/06/2013 19:24

Thank you for the reassurance!

I would have gone but have had a glass of wine.

I asked DH if he felt he could be supportive of DS, and he was in the car with him faster than you could say.....whatever it is you say. DH does like to prove he is a supportive Dad.

OP posts:

BoreOfWhabylon · 16/06/2013 19:25

If it's still v painful three days later, might be worth asking about an Xray.
How did toe get squished?

Original poster

LondonBus · 16/06/2013 19:29

It seemed better today (less grimacing), and he slept OK last night. I don't think it's broken.

It was squashed by an electric gate at a school (not his school) rolling over his toe.....apparently the wheel bit of the gate is lower than the rest of the gate.

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