Toenail Troubles and How to Fix Them

Toenails are subject to four main afflictions that can make them unattractive and/or painful.

1. Ingrown toenails. By far one of the most common toenail problems, ingrown toenails occur when one or both sides of the nail curve inward and pierce the soft flesh of the toe. At first, an ingrown toenail causes redness and inflammation. If left untreated, pain and infection will increase. The pain can become excruciating. So, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with one of our board-certified podiatrists, who can remove the ingrown portion of the nail and end your suffering.

2. Fungal nails. Toenails can become infected with a fungus when you walk on a common wet surface such as a public pool deck. Overly sweaty feet, diabetes, and the aging process are some other causes. Nail fungus can be very persistent. Infections will get worse without treatment and can spread to other nails. However, there are many effective treatments available including oral medications, topical creams, and an FDA-approved laser system called Hyperblue 1530.

3. Thickened toenails. While nails becoming thick is sometimes a normal part of aging, it can be a sign of other problems such as psoriasis, circulation issues, or heart disease. Once a nail becomes thick, it’ll most likely stay that way, making cutting them at home difficult or impossible. Always bring your thickened nails to your podiatrist’s attention for regular trimming.

4. Discolored toenails can be a sign of traumatic injury. For example, when you drop something on your toe, the nail may turn black from a subungual hematoma - blood pooling under the nail. Yellow-tinged nails signal the presence of a fungal infection. Poorly-fitting shoes can turn toenails black, so avoid shoes with narrow toe boxes.

If you’ve got persistent toenail problems, want to improve the look of your toenails, or eliminate pain, we can help. Contact Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center in Monmouth County for an appointment with Dr. Samantha Boyd, Dr. Hal Ornstein, Dr. Dan Phan, or Dr. Joseph Saka. For your convenience, we’re located in both Howell and Jackson and we offer evening hours two days a week. We’re open on Saturdays as well. Call (732) 905-1110 or make an appointment online.