Have your toenails changed in appearance? If you feel that you have to hide them from others then we might need to figure out what the issue is. Keep reading this blog to learn about the most common 5 types of toenail problems. Laser Nail Therapy can help you deal with one of the major ones. Can you guess which one?
Toenails are easily overlooked especially during the colder months when we keep them covered. It’s common to not notice that you have a problem with your toenails until the issue becomes unbearable.
Your toenails are there to protect your toes. But they can only do their job if they’re healthy. Therefore, it is extremely important to check them regularly and see a foot doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Toenail Problem 1: Discolored, Brittle, or become very Thick
Healthy Toenails have a pink or peachy color with pale tips. Once the nails turn yellow, green, brown, or black it might be a sign of a toenail fungus infection. Over time as the infection progresses the nail may turn thick and brittle. Then Fragments of nails may start to flake off. Eventually this condition not only may cause embarrassment but also pain.
Furthermore, if a treatment is not sought after soon enough the nail may also start detaching from the nail bed and loss of nails completely.
Most podiatrists are able to diagnose toenail fungus quickly and effectively. They may also find the best treatment option for you.
Clearing discolored nails involve treating the fungus that is causing the discoloration. There are a few ways to do this, but the best and safest option is to see a licensed podiatrist. They are qualified medical doctors who will be able to give you safe, effective treatment for toenail fungus. However, not all prescriptions for toenail fungus are safe or effective.
Topical medications are ineffective and take a really long time. Oral medications are a little faster and more effective at clearing the discoloration, but are very unsafe and can cause liver toxicity. The best option to clear your discolored nails is the PinPointe laser treatment.
softening fungal toenails is key
Toenail Problem 2: Starts digging into the skin of my toe
When a toenail changes the direction of growth and the edges of the nails start pressing into the skin it’s considered an ingrown toenail. After the nail breaks through the skin and starts growing into the toe inflammation may start. This may result in severe pain and a feeling of pressure on the toe surrounding the ingrown toenail.
The great (large) toenails are most often affected by this toenail problem. This usually develops if one wears tight shoes, trims nails into a curved shape, or may be caused by an injury.
It is never recommended to attempt to take out an ingrown nail yourself. Instead, you should see a foot doctor (Podiatrist) near you. Podiatrists specialize in efficiently solving various foot problems and ingrown toenails are very common among their patients. A foot doctor will be able to quickly relieve pain and pressure by performing an ingrown toenail surgery. And oftentimes prescribing antibiotics to ensure that any growing infection gets eradicated.
If you feel that you might be suffering from ingrown toenails feel free to reach out to Ingrown Toenail Therapy to schedule a consultation near you.
Toenail Problem 3: Bruised Toenail
If you drop something heavy on your toe, accidentally kick something, or your toe rubs hard against your shoe you might see some blood trapped under your nails. Sometimes, if the bruise is large enough it may cause the nail to lift and in severe cases completely fall off.
Commonly, most bruised nails don’t need medical attention because they will grow out with the nail. Or in more severe cases if the nail falls off a new one will grow back that is clear.
However, if you’re worried or you think that you’ll benefit from seeing a doctor it’s best that you schedule an appointment with a local podiatrist who will then be able to check out your toenail problem.
Toenail Problem 4: Pitted or Ridged Toenails
Pitten or ridged toenails may be caused by Psoriasis. This disease usually leads to tiny indentations on the nails. This condition may be alleviated by your podiatrist by filing the top of the surface of the toenails and trimming them which may encourage normal growth. In extremely severe cases toenails might need to be surgically removed.
Toenail Problem 5: Claw-Like Toenails
Normal toenails shoe be thin and flat. If yours start being very thick and curl up when growing out you might have a ram’s horn nails disorder. This is typically caused by chronic neglect. When the condition first occurs and is not properly treated the nails will curl like a ram’s horn and turn brown or yellow in color.
The most common treatment includes removing part or all of the affected toenails. Then once the nails are regrowing they should be closely monitored by a podiatrist. At this point, the nails should be carefully trimmed and shaped to prevent the reassurance of the disorder.
Ram’s horn condition is most common among the elderly. This is due to the fact that it becomes more difficult to reach their feet and observe them as they get older. Thankfully, regular podiatry visits will prevent this problem.
If you notice that you are suffering from a Toenail Fungus infection or an Ingrown Toenail or you’re just not sure. Call us today and schedule a consultation with one of our doctors. We will help you find the best treatment for you. We may be reached at 800-672-0625.