The Top Two Toenail Problems
Paying attention to changes in your color and texture of your toenails can help give you an early warning of impending toenail trouble and help you avoid some of the more undesirable outcomes. For example, fungal toenail infections can develop slowly and often don't cause any serious issues in the beginning and may go unnoticed.
An ingrown toenail can also cause minor pain and intermittent problems initially and get progressively painful and possibly infected as it progresses, so be sure to see your foot doctor before that happens.
Fungal toenail infection—If you notice any of your toenails becoming thicker and more brittle and if the nail changes color to a more yellowish or grey color, then you probably have a fungal toenail infection. Treatment for fungal toenails consists of topical and oral antifungal medications. For severe conditions, the toenail may need partial or complete removal with a unique debridement tool to fully treat the underlying infection.
Ingrown toenail troubles—An ingrown toenail often gets started due to improper and careless toenail cutting technique. Try to keep your toenails a little long and cut them straight across or just slightly curved so the nail's sharp edge won’t start growing into your tender skin. Wearing properly fitted shoes with a wide toe box and custom orthotic inserts will also give your toes room to move and avoid the side pressure contributing to ingrown toenail formation.
Watch our Toenail Conditions Education Videos.
To properly diagnose and treat any painful ingrown toenails or to tackle an entrenched and odiferous fungal toenail infection, make an appointment with your foot doctor. Call Tri County Foot & Ankle Center located in Bayonne, Clifton, Colts Neck, East Brunswick, Jersey City, Kearny, and Randolph, NJ. With access to advanced technologies, Our Podiatrists can help you manage all of your foot and ankle conditions, including heel pain, ankle sprains, toe deformities, fungal toenails, and plantar warts. Call us or request an appointment online today.