Damn rusty nail

[AbeLinkedIn]

Probably because a rusted nail penetrated through my shoe and into my foot and I have no idea how deep it went beyond it didn't hit muscle or bone. I had to take off my shoe to control the bleeding and make my way through my backyard (Grassy and dirt) before cleaning and Neosporining the sore. You're right I need to quit googling, but if the nail had not been rusty or even be something else I wouldn't be as anxious. I once cut my foot (The same one I think) on glass and it healed under similar conditions and it probably had a bigger risk for tetanus.

 

[AbeLinkedIn]

Update: This is a bit of a relief but my brother reminded me that we had to get a tetanus shot before going into college, and I had entered around 2012 and graduated last year, so it must have been within 10 years and I just forgot I got it. That and my yard doesn't have soil so much as dirt so tetanus wise I think I'm in the clear, keyword being "I think."

That doesn't rule out other infections though so I need to stay vigilant, but at least my tetanus fears are somewhat put at ease.

 

[AbeLinkedIn]

Update: The wound site looks to be healing nicely thanks to the neosporin regimen. But there's two issues that are bothering me:

One is my left jaw in pain, which admittedly started before the nail incident, but my anxious mind wants to say the two are connected and despite my jaw pain coming and going, the illogical side says I'm screwed. The only saving grace is that I can still chew/swallow/talk with minimal discomfort but I made a separate thread on this

The other worry is my calf on the left leg has started to hurt some when I walk. Granted I walk a lot so overworkng of muscles could be a factor but again, the anxiety thinks it's symptomatic of the wound.

 

[matisworried]

Update: The wound site looks to be healing nicely thanks to the neosporin regimen. But there's two issues that are bothering me:

One is my left jaw in pain, which admittedly started before the nail incident, but my anxious mind wants to say the two are connected and despite my jaw pain coming and going, the illogical side says I'm screwed. The only saving grace is that I can still chew/swallow/talk with minimal discomfort but I made a separate thread on this

The other worry is my calf on the left leg has started to hurt some when I walk. Granted I walk a lot so overworkng of muscles could be a factor but again, the anxiety thinks it's symptomatic of the wound.

glad things are healing up. as you said yourself, your jaw hurt before you stepped on the nail so you really shouldn't worry about it. luckily, pre-tetanus isn't a thing! as for you leg pain, I'm a daily walker and if i overdue it (which is pretty much all the time) my left leg can ache like crazy. i think it's usually my left because that's the one i tend to favor when i walk.

 

[AbeLinkedIn]

My right was achey the other week so I guess Ican chalk it up to overuse. Honestly the jaw thing is the biggest hindrance for me but could it be possible for tetanus to excerberate TMJ or is it my mind making up stories again?

 

[matisworried]

i don't think so, no. your mind could very easily be playing tricks on you. i think in your case, the jaw stuff could definitely be stress and anxiety related. i clench when I'm anxious to the point where I've cracked teeth.

 

[AbeLinkedIn]

Oh damn, sorry to hear that. I don't really have a history of clenching my teeth unless I do it in my sleep

 

[matisworried]

Oh damn, sorry to hear that. I don't really have a history of clenching my teeth unless I do it in my sleep

that's when I've broken mine. you can carry stress in your jaw. i clench or tighten mine a lot without even knowing it. it was actually my wife that pointed out i was doing it. i didn't even realize...

 

[AbeLinkedIn]

So after a period of feeling okay, I feel like I'm spiraling again thanks to my jaw pain. I noticed the inside's a little inflamed but the pain can go up to my temple. It's been 3 days since the wound and symptoms can come that soon. I can barely do anything without my left jaw hurting and there's nothing I can do. I'm going to die or be in immeasurable pain for the rest of my life over a dumb mistake

 

[bin_tenn]

So after a period of feeling okay, I feel like I'm spiraling again thanks to my jaw pain. I noticed the inside's a little inflamed but the pain can go up to my temple. It's been 3 days since the wound and symptoms can come that soon. I can barely do anything without my left jaw hurting and there's nothing I can do. I'm going to die or be in immeasurable pain for the rest of my life over a dumb mistake

Nah, but unless you seek professional help, it looks as if you may deal with this unnecessary anxiety for the rest of your life.

 

[matisworried]

Nah, but unless you seek professional help, it looks as if you may deal with this unnecessary anxiety for the rest of your life.

agreed! this is your anxiety playing tricks on you.

 

[AbeLinkedIn]

I hope you're right, it seems coincidental my jaw started hurting the day I hurt my foot with that nail, hours before even. I just want to know a difference between TMJD and lockjaw since I've never had this happen to me

 

[matisworried]

I hope you're right, it seems coincidental my jaw started hurting the day I hurt my foot with that nail, hours before even. I just want to know a difference between TMJD and lockjaw since I've never had this happen to me

i think the most important thing for you to know is that jaw pain from tetanus starts AFTER you step on a nail, not before.

 

[bin_tenn]

I hope you're right, it seems coincidental my jaw started hurting the day I hurt my foot with that nail, hours before even. I just want to know a difference between TMJD and lockjaw since I've never had this happen to me

TMJ disorder is far more likely. Tetanus (AKA "lockjaw") symptoms can occur anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks after infection, typically around eight days. But it is also progressive and typically involves one or more other damning symptoms as opposed to simple jaw pain. You're fine.

 

[AbeLinkedIn]

I'm inclined to believe it, since it seems like my TMJ is starting to settle down finally. Like I said I'm not out of the woods, the joint is still sore, but not to the degree that it once was. This is day 5 and aside from the discomfort in my jaw joint, I can't think of anything else that's wrong with me. No spasms, I can swallow, breathe, and talk just fine, and the wound itself looks to be almost healed up, though some of the skin around it is darker which is curious.

 

[bin_tenn]

I'm inclined to believe it, since it seems like my TMJ is starting to settle down finally. Like I said I'm not out of the woods, the joint is still sore, but not to the degree that it once was. This is day 5 and aside from the discomfort in my jaw joint, I can't think of anything else that's wrong with me. No spasms, I can swallow, breathe, and talk just fine, and the wound itself looks to be almost healed up, though some of the skin around it is darker which is curious.

That's not curious, it's normal for a wound.