What are common nail problems?
Your toenails can give early clues about your overall health: pitted, thick or spoon-shaped nails can point to other conditions. Any change in colour, or any infection around a nail, is worth having checked. The three most common problems are:
Ingrown toenails, where the edge of the nail digs into the skin and can become infected (a serious concern if you have diabetes or poor circulation). Fungal nails, which become discoloured, thick and brittle, and can make walking uncomfortable. Blackened toenails, caused by blood pooling under the nail, often from running, tennis or a knock to the toe.
Common causes
Common causes include:
- Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners
- Tight shoes, or toes rubbing against the shoe
- Athlete's foot spreading to the nails
- Warm, damp shoes and socks
- Injury, such as dropping something on the toe
- Family history or a wider health condition
What you can do at home
To help prevent problems:
- Trim nails straight across and keep them short.
- Wear shoes that fit and don't rub; use safety footwear if your job requires it.
- Wash and dry feet daily, and wear moisture-wicking socks.
- Wear shower shoes in public areas, and disinfect home nail tools.
- Don't polish a nail that's red, discoloured or swollen.
How a podiatrist helps
Dr. Rosenfeld can:
- Examine the nail and, when needed, arrange imaging — through your family doctor (G.P.) after an injury
- Take a nail sample and prescribe antifungal medication or antibiotics
- Gently remove an ingrown edge, or correct it permanently
- Relieve pressure from blood under a nail — best within the first few hours
- Thin or remove a nail when needed; it grows back in a few months