Don't know if I need a podiatrist or to use my incompetent primary care physician for an annoying big toe infection. After months and months of running in soaking wet (sweated out) socks and shoes in this Carolina hot/humid weather, my feet finally suffered from my bacteria-infested shoes/socks. The thing was swollen like a bee stung it for two weeks. I had it numbed and sliced open this past Wednesday night (by physician) around the cuticles; lots of blood, pus, and old/dried out blood shot out like a popped pimple. The next day, I squeezed some more pus/blood out of it. I still have pus/blood leaking out 3 days later and the lacerations will eventually close, but I'm concern that it will come back with a vengeance. I'm taking two different antibiotics to fight off the infection as well. I also plan on getting another pair trainers with a wider toe box to give my toes more wiggle room and minimize the trauma placed on my big toe.
Questions:
1. With the lacerations/drainage and antibiotic combo, will this nail eventually fall off naturally or should I let the physician numb it and tear the whole nail off manually?
2. How long will it take for the nail to fall off naturally?
3. Will this infection continue to hamper my training? There is currently no pain, so can I begin running again now??
4. What else can I do to make sure this thing becomes a thing of the past.
Thanks for all who decide to help a brother out.