Most Common Toenail Problems
Paying attention to changes in discoloration of the nail plates and texture of your toenails can help warn you of the beginning of toenail ailments. This can help you avoid some of the more unpleasant outcomes. For example, nail fungus infections can develop gradually. Fungal toenails often don't cause any serious problems at the start and may often be overlooked.
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.
Below are the most common toenail problems treated by Maple Springs Foot Center:
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.
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.
To properly diagnose and treat any painful ingrown toenails or to tackle an entrenched and odiferous fungal toenail infection, make an appointment with Dr. Stuart Snyder, Dr. Sara Sharma or Dr. Sahar Zadeh.
Call (301) 762-3338 Maple Springs Foot Center serving the Gaithersburg, Maryland area. With state-of-the-art treatments and technologies, our Podiatrists can help you manage all of your foot and ankle conditions, including heel pain, ankle sprains, toe deformities, fungal toenails, ingrown nails, and plantar warts. Call (301) 762-3338 or book an appointment online today
