Hello Jopeful,

I am sorry to hear of your troubles. I hope that you don't have CRPS and your visits here with us are brief. Surgery anywhere on the foot is just difficult. I have had 3 substantial foot procedures myself. Feet, being so far from the heart do take longer to heal than just about anything else. I looked into the use of phenol for in-grown toenails and read on the American Academy of Family Physician's website that it "produces irregular tissue destruction and can result in significant inflammation."

First things first, make sure nothing else is wrong with your toe. If the nail bed tissue was not fully destroyed the in-grown condition could've come back. There could be infection or just a lot of ongoing inflammation. Have you been treated with an antibiotic? One of my doctors cited a case to me of thinking someone had CRPS but it was actually a deep seated infection. It is worth checking every possibility. Could you have nerve damage from the burn? I certainly can't say but even tiny nerves when unhappy can be very loud.

I think it is good that you don't have big color or temp changes. Those are hallmarks for CRPS. Hopefully you don't have it but Even if you do, take heart, 80% of patients improve over time. The stories of milder cases and improvement are out there. They just aren't as prominent online. Use your foot but don't overdo, this would go for CRPS or inflammation after foot surgery. Therapy in a swimming pool is a wonderful way to exercise while keeping inflammation and swelling down. It will help your healing and circulation no matter what the problem is.

4 months is not a very long time and that is in your favor. Early identification and treatment leads to better outcomes if this were o be CRPS. If it makes you feel better to see pain management then why not? They may have something to add and it's always good to get information. Just please be sure that all treatable causes for your pain have been addressed. Take good care of yourself and try to reduce stress. Reduce your intake of inflammatory foods. TAke vitamin C. try some topical lidocaine. I find it hopeful that your pain level is not currently higher than it is and that it is staying in a localized area. Those are good things. If that changes by all means get to a specialist sooner.

I hope you find relief and healing soon,