It may not seem important until you develop a painful toenail condition, but noticing changes to the color and texture of your toenails can give you an early warning of an impending painful problem. Early detection can help decrease the duration and severity of conditions like ingrown and fungal toenails.
2 of the most common toenail problems include:
- Fungal toenails—If you see that your toenails are becoming thicker and more brittle at the edges, and if the nail appears to be more yellow or darker than normal, you may have a fungal toenail infection. Another major symptom of toenail fungus is the unpleasant smell that is created by the fungi as they spread. When a fungal toenail infection has really gotten out of control, complete removal of the damaged nail may be necessary to treat the underlying problem.
- Ingrown toenails—When a poorly-cut toenail digs into the tender skin on the edge of your toe, it can be very painful and make it hard to wear shoes due to the pressure on your toe from your footwear. Improper cutting technique is a major contributor to the formation of ingrown toenails. Be careful to cut them straight across and not too short to help avoid the problem in the first place.
If you need assistance with painful ingrown toenails or a fungal toenail infection, see your foot doctor for the proper care. The foot specialists at ETL Podiatry in Briarwood and Melville, NY have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle problems. Our team of doctors is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Melville, NY (631)-549-8637 and Briarwood, NY (718)-657-8921.
