Common Nail Problems

Ingrown Nails

An ingrown nail happens when a nail grows into the skin around it. The big toe is most often affected. The causes could be improper trimming, nail deformities, injuries, fungal infections, or pressure from shoes or other sources. They may cause pain at the tip of the toe or down to its base. It's often worse when walking. Ingrown nails are bad on their own, but they may lead to infection, inflammation, or other conditions. Redness is a sign of infection.

Ingrown nails can be treated by trimming the corner of the nail away. Sometimes, the side of the nail needs to be removed all the way down to the cuticle. Chemican treatments then stop the ingrown portion from growing back and continuing to cause problems. If the nail is infected, antibiotics might be prescribed, and part of the nail may be permanently removed. All of this is usually done in-office, and local anesthetic may be used.

Thickened Nails

Sometimes nails become too thick or start crumbling. This is usually the result of injuries, pressure from shoes, or other diseased like diabetes, psoriasis, or vascular disease. The nail may eventually loosen and fall off. These nails generally look brittle, yellowish, and ridged. They may feel painful when pressure is applied. If the nail isn't infected, it can be thinned by trimming, grinding, or filing. If the thickness is caused by a fungal infection, topical medications can be used. If none of this works, the nail can be surgically removed. Never try to remove your toenail by yourself.

Black and Blue Nails

If you injure your nail, it may turn black and blue. The condition is caused by a bruise underneath the nail. A sudden or repetitive injury, such as an injury sustained while playing sports that involve running or stopping quickly, may cause such problems. If a heavy object falls on your toe, you may also get such a nail. If your toe is black and blue but isn't injured, see a doctor immediately.

Generally these injuries are treated by removing the nail. Medications or soaking or icing the area may offer enough relief, and additional treatment may not be necessary. The nail will generally fall off on its own, and a new nail will grow to replace it.

You can prevent nail problems by wearing the right shoes and trimming nails properly. Keep your feet clean and dry, and visit your podiatrist before performing any foot self-care if you are diabetic. Wear roomy shoes that have been properly measured to fit your feet, and take care to trim your toenails straight across rather than cutting off the corners.

Visit the foot surgeons at McLean County Orthopedics for more information about caring for your toenails.