How to treat a red, swollen and painful big toe?
Patient: I went the the ER w/ redness, swelling, and pain in my big toe.  they cut me open, drained some fluid, and gave me an anti-biotic. This was almost a month ago, and fluid is still draning, it's still red and swollen and it hurts. Does it normally take this long for a bacterial infecftion to clear up? Doctor: HI, thanks for using healthcare magicNo, it does not normally take this length of time.It would be best to see your doctor or re visit the ER for assessment.You would likely need another course of antibiotics and it may need repeat incision.An inflammatory pain killers can be used to help deal with any discomfort eg cataflam, naproxen, ibuprofen.I hope this helps