Maintaining healthy nails is integral to healthy feet. A nail is a hard, enveloping cover found at the end of finger and toe appendages of the body. It is made up of a nail plate, cuticle nail folds, nail matrix, lunula, and nail bed. This body part is made up of a tough protective protein known as alpha-keratin that is permeable and grows. The function of a toe or fingernail is to protect the fingertip and surrounding soft tissue and for functional purposes in handling objects.
Toenail Health Issues
There are many nail conditions that our patients come to see us about. While we treat and diagnose all issues related to toenail conditions, some of the most common cases we treat include:
Ingrown Toenail
This is one of the most common cases we see at Healthmark Foot and Ankle. An ingrown toenail is when the corner or side of the nail plate grows into the soft tissue and flesh around the toenail. Find out more about ingrown toenails here.
Toenail Fungus
Fungal infections of the toenail are also very commonly treated at Healthmark Foot and Ankle. Some fungal infections can be contagious. Learn more about nail fungus here.
Nail Discoloration
Healthy nails are often pale pink and white having a smooth surface without any rough texture, abrupt grooves, or major cracks. The overall health, texture, and color of the nail and surrounding appendage can help physicians diagnose larger problems aside from discoloration.
Nail discoloration is often associated with lifestyle activities such as nail polish use, trauma/injury to the nail, cigarette/tobacco usage, medication side effects, hygiene, and chemical exposure such as dyes or acids. Discoloration can also be an indicator of symptoms of great health issues including infections, diabetes, melanoma, or fungus.
Thickened Nails
If the nail plate appears rough and thicker than normal, it may be an indication of several issues that your podiatrist will help diagnose. Sometimes nail thickening can be due to
- Fungal Infection
- Injury
- Poor Circulation
- Arthritis in the toes
- Walking Pattern
- Poorly fitting footwear
Detached or Lifted Nail Plate
The toenail can become arched, puffed, or lifted from the nail bed. If traumatic dislocation is not the cause, this state can often be due to: psoraiasis, tinea (fungal infection), or fake nail adhesion.
Ridged nails
Ridges that go longways or perpendicular to the nail are not normal and may be caused by:
- Vascular disease
- Eczema
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Aging
- Infection
Other nail conditions that we treat include:
- Splitting nails
- Brittle nails
- Bacterial infections of the nail and toe
- Toenail trauma
- Diseases of the toenail and associated skin
- Tumors
- Congenital nail disorders
- Older nails