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April 9, 2026
There are several reasons why your toe may be painful. The important thing to do is not ignore it, especially if the pain is accompanied with redness and swelling. Keep reading to find out what your next steps should be to find out the culprit to your pain.
1. Ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail is when the sides of your toenail grow into the surrounding skin. Once the nail pierces the skin, your body reacts by creating an inflammatory response to this, which leads to redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the area. The longer the toe is left in this condition, the higher the risk of infection. How can you tell if you have an infection? The signs of an infection are somewhat similar to those of the body’s natural inflammatory response to a cut or wound, but greater in a sense. For instance, an infected ingrown toenail will increase in redness, swelling, pain, and warmth in addition to being accompanied by any of the following: a foul odor, maceration (moisture), pus (cloudy, creamy liquid), blood.
If you have an ingrown toenail, it is best to see a chiropodist for treatment - especially if it's showing signs of infection. A chiropodist can remove the ingrown portion of the toenail, prescribe antibiotics, and properly trim and file the toenails to ensure they grow back healthy. To find out more about ingrown toenails, such as what causes them and how they can be managed, click the link here.
2. Paronychia
Paronychia is the medical term to describe an infection of the hand or the foot at the location where the skin meets the nail, either on the sides of the nail or along its base. This infection can be bacterial or fungal in nature and is usually the result of damage to the skin (via biting or picking or any other physical trauma). Excessive and chronic moisture can also make the skin more vulnerable to these infections.
Similar to an ingrown toenail, paronychia will also present as a red, swollen, warm, and tender digit. If you have a red, swollen, painful toe, regardless of the cause, book an appointment with a chiropodist at the first signs! They'll be able to properly diagnose and treat the condition.
3. Tinea Pedis
Although Tinea pedis also known as Athlete’s Foot, usually presents as itchy, dry, and flaky skin on the bottom of the foot, it can also be localized between the digits or along the sides of a single or multiple digit(s). Sometimes, Tinea Pedis features a cluster of small red vesicles along a digit and may spread to adjacent digits. When left untreated, the toe may become red, swollen, and tender to the touch. The infection can also spread under the toenail. When this happens, treatment can become very difficult and take a long time to resolve.
Fungal infections can spread very quickly, and the earlier you start treatment, the easier it is to treat. Therefore it's best to be proactive and see a professional at the first signs of infection. Treatment includes a topical prescription antifungal medication and debriding the areas of fungal growth. Fungal infections most often cannot be treated without professional intervention, and over-the-counter treatments rarely work.
4. Onychophosis
Onychophosis is a buildup of callus that forms between the nail and the surrounding skin (sulcus). It can become irritated and mimic the discomfort of an ingrown nail due to pressure, but it’s not a true ingrown nail—the nail itself remains healthy and does not grow into the skin.
5. Reynaud's Disease
This condition causes toes to turn stark white and then bright red, often after moving from a cold environment to a warm one. While usually asymptomatic, it can cause numbness, tingling, and alarm due to the dramatic color changes. It’s a vasospastic response, where the blood vessels temporarily spasm and restrict proper blood flow.
6. Chilblains
These are small, painful, or itchy bumps that develop on the toes after exposure to extreme cold followed by rapid warming. They are usually harmless and tend to resolve on their own within a few weeks.
All the above conditions require medical attention. In the meantime, as you wait for your appointment, try soaking your feet in an Epsom salt water bath for 10-15 minutes a day. Use half a cup of Epsom salts to a gallon of lukewarm water - not hot as hot water will cause more swelling.
When you’re not soaking your feet, practice good hygiene and keep your feet clean and dry. Wear a new pair of clean socks everyday and let your feet breathe at home. Most microorganisms thrive in moist, dark environments.
February 5, 2026
If you are like most people, you want your feet to stay healthy and pain free. However, even with the best intentions, many people unknowingly develop habits that can damage their feet over time.
From improper nail trimming to walking barefoot in public spaces, foot care mistakes are more common than you might think. The good news is that most of these issues can be prevented with proper education and routine care.
Below, our team of experienced chiropodists at Feet First Clinic outlines the top five most common foot care mistakes and how to avoid them. We specialize in preventive foot care and the treatment of both common and complex conditions, offering services such as routine care, assessments, and custom orthotics.
1. Cutting Your Toenails Incorrectly
Toenail trimming may seem simple, but doing it improperly can lead to painful ingrown toenails and infections. Cutting nails too short, rounding the edges, or cutting into the cuticle increases the risk of the nail growing into the surrounding skin.
To reduce this risk, soften your nails by soaking them in warm water before trimming. Always cut straight across and avoid cutting too close to the skin. If you develop a painful or infected ingrown toenail, it is important to seek professional care promptly.
Another common mistake when it comes to ingrown toenails: trying to treat them yourself or at a salon. Some of the worst ingrown toenails we've seen at the clinic are due to botched DIY attempts. If your toenail is ingrown, especially if it's irritated, it's recommended that you book an appointment immediately with a chiropodist; they're trained to treat ingrown toenails properly and prevent them from getting worse. A chiropodist will also trim your toenails so that they grow back properly and straight.
2. Walking Barefoot in Damp Areas
Many people walk barefoot in public locker rooms and showers. Although this may not seem like a huge issue to some people, doing this can seriously harm your feet. It's recommended to wear some sort of protective footwear while you’re walking in moist areas.
Some examples of reliable footwear include:
Sandals
Flip-flops (just for those public spaces)
Water shoes
Shower shoes
Doing this is important for preventing issues like toenail fungus. This will cause your nails to become yellow, thick and foul-smelling; they may even fall off! Men tend to have a higher chance of developing foot fungus, along with elderly people and individuals that suffer from athlete’s foot. Once fungus gets underneath the toenail, it becomes very difficult to treat; at-home treatment is typically ineffective. This is because the toenail blocks anti-fungal medication from penetrating and reaching the fungus. That's why it's important to see a chiropodist at the first sign of toenail fungus. They can debride the toenail to make it easier for anti-fungal medication to penetrate to the fungus living in the nailbed.
Walking barefoot in public places can also cause warts. Warts are a contagious virus that spreads when bare skin comes into contact with an infected surface. The wart-causing virus especially thrives in warm, damp places, like locker room floors and the puddles on pool decks. Left untreated, warts can multiply and spread to other people. Sometimes you can treat warts in the early stages with over-the-counter treatments. However, if those are ineffective, it's recommended to see a chiropodist to eradicate your warts once and for all. Unlike family doctors and dermatologists, chiropodists can debride the dead skin and callus that forms over the wart, which helps the treatment penetrate through the wart tissue and treat the warts faster.
3. Ignoring Early Signs of Foot Problems
Many people dismiss early symptoms such as redness, thickened nails, calluses, or mild discomfort. Unfortunately, delaying treatment often allows minor issues to develop into more serious foot conditions.
Addressing concerns early can prevent pain, reduce complications, and keep your feet healthy long term.
4. Wearing Poorly Fitting Footwear
Did you know that between 63% to 72% of the population are wearing shoes that don't fit correctly? Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or lacking proper support can contribute to problems such as blisters, corns, bunions, and heel pain. While style may be important, proper fit and support should always be the priority.
Well fitted footwear helps support proper foot function and reduces strain on the feet, ankles, knees, and lower back. It's also important to make sure your shoes accommodate your foot type and gait pattern. If you don't know your foot type, you can get a biomechanical assessment with a chiropodist to find out.
5. Skipping Preventive Foot Care
Many people only think about foot care when pain develops. Regular foot assessments, proper hygiene, and preventive treatment are essential for maintaining healthy feet, especially for individuals with diabetes or circulation concerns.
Routine visits to a chiropodist can help identify potential problems early and keep your feet comfortable and functional. Something as simple as a medical pedicure can go a long way.
September 18, 2025
Toenail health is an important part of overall foot care, yet conditions like involuted toenails often go unnoticed until discomfort arises. If you’ve noticed your toenails curling inward or becoming unusually curved, you might be dealing with an involuted toenail. Understanding this condition can help you manage symptoms and seek proper treatment before complications occur.
What Are Involuted Toenails?
Involuted toenails, also called curved or pincer nails, occur when the edges of the toenail curl inward toward the skin. This excessive curvature can cause the nail to pinch the nail bed and surrounding skin, leading to discomfort or pain. It also makes them prone to becoming ingrown.
Causes of Involuted Toenails
Several factors can contribute to the development of involuted toenails, including:
Genetics: Some people inherit a tendency toward curved toenails.
Improper Footwear: Tight, narrow shoes can exert pressure on the nails, encouraging them to curl.
Injury: Trauma to the toe can alter nail growth patterns.
Fungal Infections: Nail infections may cause thickening and distortion of the nail plate.
Aging: Toenail shape and growth can change with age.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain diseases like psoriasis or circulatory problems may affect nail health.
Symptoms to Watch For
Toenails that curve sharply inward, sometimes forming a tube shape.
Discomfort or pain along the sides of the toenail.
Redness, swelling, or signs of infection around the nail edges.
Difficulty trimming nails due to their shape.
Formation of calluses or corns near the nail edges.
Treatment Options for Involuted Toenails
Conservative Care
Proper Footwear: Choose shoes with wide toe boxes to reduce pressure.
Regular Nail Care: Careful trimming and filing can help manage nail shape.
Moisturizing: Keeping nails and surrounding skin hydrated may reduce brittleness.
Padding: Using protective pads can cushion the nail and reduce irritation.
Medical and Professional Treatments
Nail Bracing or OnyFix: Special braces can gently correct nail curvature over time.
Debridement: A podiatrist can carefully trim thickened or curved nails.
Treatment of Infections: Antifungal medications if infection is present.
Surgical Options: In severe cases, part or all of the nail may be removed to relieve pain and prevent recurrence.
When to See a Foot Specialist
If you experience persistent pain, signs of infection, or difficulty managing your involuted toenails, it’s important to consult a foot care professional. Early intervention can prevent complications such as ingrown nails or infections.
You should also see a specialist if you find you're having difficulty trimming your toenails; curved toenails are notoriously difficult to trim.
July 24, 2025
Running is great for your overall health but your toenails might disagree. Many runners deal with painful or unsightly toenail problems, especially after long distances or hill training. Issues are so common that "runner's toenails" is a commonly used term to describe all the toenail damage. Understanding how running impacts toenail health can help you prevent injury and keep your feet in peak condition.
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Common Toenail Issues Runners Experience
Black Toenail from Running (Subungual Hematoma): One of the most recognizable issues, a black toenail develops when repeated impact causes bruising or bleeding under the nail. It’s often due to shoes that are too tight or downhill running.
Toenail Lifting or Falling Off: Constant pressure on the nail bed can cause nails to lift or fall off completely, especially after a marathon or long run. This is usually painless, but it takes months for the nail to regrow.
Thick Toenails After Running: Repeated trauma can lead to thickened toenails, which may resemble fungal infections. This thickening is the nail’s response to long-term micro-damage and may become permanent if untreated.
Ingrown Toenails: Tight shoes or improper nail trimming can lead to ingrown toenails, which are common among runners and can become infected if ignored.
What Causes Running-Related Toenail Damage?
Improper shoe fit: Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or worn out can lead to friction and trauma.
Long toenails: Long nails hit the front of the shoe with every stride, increasing the risk of bruising or lifting.
Downhill running: Increases the impact on the toes.
Sweaty feet: Create a moist environment that can encourage fungal growth.
Inadequate socks: Thin or poorly fitted socks allow for extra movement inside the shoe.
Runner’s Toenail Care: Prevention Tips
Trim your nails regularly – Straight across, not too short, and never rounded at the corners.
Wear proper footwear – Choose shoes with about a thumb’s width of space at the front, and consider a running-specific fit.
Choose the right socks – Moisture-wicking and snug, with no bunching or seams that rub.
Replace shoes as needed – Most running shoes last 500–800 km. Worn-out soles contribute to poor foot mechanics.
Moisturize your feet – Prevent cracking and fungal buildup with a good daily foot care routine.
When to See a Foot Specialist
If your "runner's toenails" are persistently discoloured, painful, or thickened, it’s time for a professional assessment. What seems like a harmless black toenail from running could be a fungal infection, ingrown nail, or even an injury needing care. A chiropodist or foot specialist can safely treat nail trauma, provide custom foot care advice, and help you run pain-free.
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Final Thought
You train hard so don’t let toenail trouble slow you down. By caring for your feet proactively, you can avoid common nail issues and keep running comfortably year-round.
April 3, 2025
Healthy toenails need healthy circulation, but when blood flow is compromised, they can become brittle, discoloured, or grow slowly. Additional toenail conditions can also develop. Poor circulation and toenail problems are closely linked, especially for those with health problems like diabetes or peripheral artery disease. Understanding why poor blood flow affects toenails can help you take the right steps to protect your foot health and prevent complications.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3JAUqiqJfus
The Importance of Blood Circulation
In order to understand the link between poor circulation and toenail issues, we have to start by understanding what blood flow is and what it does. The circulatory system, comprising the heart, blood vessels, and blood, serves as the body's transportation network. Its primary function is to deliver oxygen and essential nutrients to cells while removing waste products like carbon dioxide.
The heart pumps oxygen-rich blood through arteries, which branch into smaller arterioles and capillaries, reaching every tissue and organ. This process ensures that each cell receives the necessary components for energy production, growth, and repair.
Efficient blood circulation is vital for overall health. Oxygen transported by red blood cells is crucial for cellular respiration, the process by which cells generate energy. Nutrients absorbed from digested food are distributed via the bloodstream to support various bodily functions.
Key nutrients delivered by the bloodstream include:
Glucose: A simple sugar derived from carbohydrates in our diet, glucose serves as the primary energy source for cells, fueling various physiological processes.
Amino Acids: These are the building blocks of proteins, obtained from the digestion of dietary proteins. Amino acids are crucial for tissue growth, repair, and the synthesis of enzymes and hormones.
Fatty Acids and Lipids: Essential components of cell membranes and energy storage molecules, fatty acids and lipids are transported to cells for incorporation into cellular structures and for energy production.
Vitamins and Minerals: These micronutrients support a range of cellular functions, including maintaining bone health and facilitating nerve transmission.
Hormones: Although not nutrients in the traditional sense, hormones are vital signaling molecules transported by the circulatory system to regulate various physiological activities, such as metabolism, growth, and mood.
Impaired circulation can slow down healing processes—even for seemingly innocent and minor problems like cuts and scrapes. Likewise, organs and tissues deprived of adequate circulation can suffer damage over time, increasing the risk of conditions such as peripheral artery disease, stroke, and heart attacks.
Toenail Health and Circulation: The Connection
The circulatory system delivers oxygen and essential nutrients to the nail beds, supporting the growth and maintenance of strong, clear nails. When blood flow is compromised, the nails may not receive adequate nourishment, leading to various issues such as brittleness, discoloration, and slowed growth. In some cases, poor circulation can cause nails to develop ridges, indicating underlying vascular problems.
Reduced blood flow can also increase the risk of infections like toenail fungus (onychomycosis). A weakened circulatory system impairs the body's ability to combat pathogens, making the toenail environment more susceptible to fungal overgrowth. This often results in yellowed, thickened nails that you can’t treat without the help of a chiropodist or podiatrist. They must remove the infected portion of the nail so they can apply the correct medicine.
Poor blood flow on its own may not cause a problem with your foot health, but it can contribute to the following toenail conditions:
Slow or halted nail growth: Inadequate blood flow deprives the nail matrix of essential nutrients and oxygen, resulting in reduced or ceased toenail growth. This can be very frustrating if your toenail falls off or cracks and you’re waiting for it to grow back, leaving your feet vulnerable.
Brittle and discolored nails: Insufficient circulation can cause nails to become brittle and change color, often appearing yellowed or darkened.
Thickened nails: Poor blood flow may contribute to the thickening of toenails, often via toenail fungus, making them difficult to trim and maintain. Poor blood flow also affects the nail growth process, which can cause nail cells to pile on top of each other and lead to thicker toenails.
Ingrown toenails: While not directly caused by poor circulation, individuals with compromised blood flow, such as those with diabetes, are at higher risk for complications from ingrown toenails, including infections and delayed healing.
Diabetes, Toenail Health and Circulation
Diabetes can lead to two significant complications affecting foot health: diabetic neuropathy and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Diabetic neuropathy results from prolonged high blood sugar levels damaging the nerves, particularly in the legs and feet, causing numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation.
This diminished sensitivity means that innocent injuries, such as cuts or blisters, may go unnoticed, increasing the risk of infections and complications like ulcers, or in severe cases, life threatening problems like gangrene, which require amputation. This is also the case for seemingly minor problems with the toenails. Simultaneously, PAD causes blood vessels to narrow and harden, reducing blood flow to the extremities. This impaired circulation hampers the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients needed for healing, making the feet and toenails even more susceptible.
Regular foot inspections and nail care with a chiropodist or podiatrist, maintaining proper hygiene, and promptly addressing any abnormalities are crucial steps for diabetics to prevent toenail-related complications stemming from poor blood flow.
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Foot and Nail Care for Poor Circulation
Maintaining proper foot and nail care is essential for individuals experiencing poor circulation, as reduced blood flow can lead to various complications. Here are some recommended practices and treatments:
https://youtu.be/5PCZuM5E6RU
Regular Exercise: Maintaining good circulatory health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking is essential for ensuring that the body's systems function as well as possible. One of the best circulation maintenance tips for foot health is working the muscles in the lower extremities. Exercises like toe splays, toe flexes and raises, massage ball rolls, pen pick-ups and seated toe pulls can work wonders. Click here to learn the five best foot exercises to improve blood circulation. They’re particularly helpful in the winter, but are useful all year round.
Regular Self Inspections: Conduct daily checks for cuts, sores, or changes in nail color and texture to detect issues early.
Moisturizing: Keep feet hydrated to prevent cracks and fissures that can lead to infections. Learn how to moisturize properly here.
OnyFix Nail Correction System: For those with ingrown or involuted toenails, the OnyFix system offers a non-invasive, pain-free solution. This innovative treatment involves applying a composite material to the nail, which helps guide it back to its natural shape as it grows, without the need for surgery. It's suitable for various nail shapes.
Medical Pedicures: Unlike traditional cosmetic pedicures, medical pedicures are performed by trained foot care professionals, such as chiropodists or podiatrists, in a sterile environment in a foot clinic. They focus on health, addressing issues like nail trimming, callus reduction, and infection prevention. They are especially helpful for dealing with irregular shaped toenails caused by poor circulation - cutting and maintaining these on your own can be very difficult. For people with diabetes, who are at higher risk for foot complications due to poor circulation and neuropathy, medical pedicures are a common and recommended treatment. These specialized pedicures help prevent complications like infections or ulcers by ensuring meticulous foot care.
Proper Footwear: Wear well-fitting shoes that provide adequate support and reduce pressure points to promote better circulation.
Proper Nail Trimming: Trim nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short to prevent ingrown toenails. And if your toenails are too thick or difficult to cut on your own, book an appointment with a foot specialist.
February 20, 2025
Toenails are more than just a cosmetic feature; they’re protective shields that provide insight into overall toenail health, general health and well-being. Their shape, texture, and condition can indicate underlying issues, simple genetic traits, or the effects of lifestyle habits. In this article, we will explore the various types of toenails based on shape, thickness, texture, as well as medical and foot conditions.
How do Toenails Grow?
Nails grow from a specialized area of skin called the nail matrix, located beneath the cuticle at the base of the nail. This matrix contains rapidly dividing cells that produce keratin, a tough protein that forms the structure of the nail. As new cells are generated, older cells are pushed forward, gradually hardening through a process called keratinization.
The visible part of the nail, known as the nail plate, rests on the nail bed, which supplies it with nutrients and oxygen through a network of capillaries. The lunula, the pale crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail, is the visible portion of the matrix, where active growth occurs. Healthy nail growth depends on factors like blood circulation, nutrition, and overall health, with fingernails typically growing faster than toenails.
You can learn more about toenail anatomy here.
Toenail Shapes
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Toenails can naturally grow in different shapes due to genetic factors, footwear, medical conditions, and nail care routines. Below are some common toenails types (and some not-so-common types as well).
1. Normal (Flat or Slightly Curved) Toenails
Healthy toenails are typically flat or slightly curved, with a smooth surface and a light pinkish hue. They are neither too thick nor too brittle and grow evenly without splitting or cracking. If your toenails are entirely white with no pinkish hue, it may indicate anemia.
2. Curled Toenails
Some people naturally have curled toenails, where the edges curve gently. This shape is common and generally poses no issues unless the curvature is extreme, leading to a higher risk of ingrown toenails. Toenails that are excessively curled are called involuted toenails. It’s important to note you should never purposely try to round the sides of your toenails with toenail clippers — always cut straight across.
3. Square Toenails
Square toenails are straight across with sharp (but not too sharp!) or slightly rounded corners. This shape is often preferred for reducing the risk of ingrown nails, as it prevents the nail from growing into the surrounding skin. When you trim your nails, or get them trimmed by a specialist like a podiatrist or chiropodist during a medical pedicure, the end result should resemble a square shape on all nails.
4. Spoon-Shaped (Koilonychia) Toenails
Koilonychia is a term for spoon-shaped toenails that curve inward, creating a concave appearance. They can be a tell-tale way to discern the difference between healthy toenails vs. unhealthy toenails. This condition may be a sign of iron deficiency, anemia, autoimmune disease, lupus and poor blood flow to the hands and feet. Regular health check-ups and iron-rich diets can help prevent or manage this issue.
5. Clubbed Toenails
Clubbed toenails are thickened and rounded, often appearing swollen and accompanied by broadening of the tip of the toes. This can be a sign of chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. If toenails appear clubbed, a medical evaluation is recommended.
Toenail Thickness & Texture
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The thickness and texture of toenails can reveal a lot about their health.
1. Thickened Toenails
Thickened toenails are often due to fungal infections. Thick nails infected with fungus require professional care from a Chiropodist or Podiatrist for proper maintenance and treatment because the infection is trapped and buried beneath the thickening — you won’t be able to treat it at home successfully. More on fungal infections later!
2. Brittle Toenails
Brittle toenails tend to split or crack easily and may be caused by dehydration, prolonged exposure to moisture, or certain medical conditions like hypothyroidism. Moisturizing and maintaining proper hydration can help prevent brittleness.
3. Toenails with Ridges
Vertical ridges on the toenails are common with aging and are usually harmless. Horizontal ridges (Beau’s lines) that look like indented grooves may indicate trauma, illnesses like viral infections or heart disease, severe stress and more. If Beau’s lines appear one day, you should talk to your family doctor. Subtle bands or stripes running along the nail can also be a signal you need to eat more protein.
4. Pitted Toenails
Pitted toenails have small indentations or depressions in the nail surface. This condition is often associated with psoriasis, eczema, or alopecia areata. Treating the underlying condition can help improve nail health.
The Most Common Toenail Conditions
Beyond shape and texture, toenails can be affected by various conditions that may cause discomfort or indicate a medical issue.
1. Ingrown Toenails
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Ingrown toenails occur when the edge or corner of a toenail (usually the big toe) grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. Ill-fitting shoes are a common cause; when shoes are too tight, they squeeze the toes together, increasing pressure on the sides of the toenail toenail, which disrupts the natural toenail growth pattern and forces it into the skin. High heels or narrow-toed shoes are particularly problematic because they alter the natural position of the foot and toe alignment, leading to more friction and pressure on the nail. This can result in the nail digging into the surrounding tissue, exacerbating the risk of infection and discomfort.
Additionally, improper trimming of toenails (e.g., cutting them too short or in a rounded shape) can also contribute to ingrown toenails, especially when combined with tight footwear.
Sometimes, there may be a genetic component to ingrown toenails. Certain nail shapes and growth patterns are hereditary (i.e.: involuted toenails) and can make a person more prone to developing ingrown toenails.
Chronic ingrown toenails may lead to infection, so it’s a good idea to visit a foot clinic at the first sign of discomfort. A Chiropodist can safely treat the ingrown toenail - often without surgery. OnyFix is also a great, modern option that’s completely non-invasive and stimulates a normal nail growth pattern. Both of these services are performed by foot care professionals.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LoCcoKOhV7E
2. Fungal Toenails (Onychomycosis)
Fungal infections can cause toenails to become thick, yellowish, and crumbly. This condition is common in people who frequently visit places where fungal infections breed, like moist, shared locker rooms and showers, public pools, nail salons and more. You can also get fungal toenail if you’re prone to athlete’s foot (which can then spread to the toenails). Older people, as well as people who wear shoes that trap foot sweat (and exacerbate it) are also more at risk. Keeping your nails clean and away from contagious areas is a key prevention tip.
Antifungal treatments and maintaining good foot hygiene can help control fungal infections, but it’s important to see a foot specialist to properly treat it. It is difficult to treat fungal infections on your own (unless it's in the very early stages) because the infection occurs beneath the nail, making it hard for topical treatments to penetrate deeply enough to eliminate the fungi. The nail acts as a natural barrier, trapping the infection in the nail bed and protecting the fungus from over-the-counter creams or home remedies. Sometimes our nails being so protective can be a double-edged sword!
A Chiropodist or Podiatrist can perform nail debridement (removing infected parts of the nail to allow proper treatment) before applying a prescription-strength topical antifungal medication.
3. Discoloured Toenails
Toenails can change colour due to various reasons. Here are some common discolourations that stray from the natural pink hue, and why it happens:
Yellow or brown nails: Often a sign of fungal infection and accompanied by nail thickening. This can also be caused by wearing nail polish; the chemicals are absorbed by the structure of the nail, causing yellow staining.
White spots: Can indicate several issues. They can happen due to minor trauma, kidney issues, yeast infections, cirrhosis, or they may signal something more innocent, like nutritional deficiency— often zinc. If your toenails are entirely white with no pinkish hue, it could possibly be anemia.
Black, red or purple: Generally caused by trauma (subungual hematoma). The dark colour is essentially bruising underneath the nail. People often notice a black toenail after stubbing it or dropping a hard object on it. Trauma can also cause toenail damage, like cracked toenails.
4. Detached Toenails (Onycholysis)
Sometimes your toenail can start to fall off, which can be alarming. Onycholysis occurs when the nail separates from the nail bed, often due to trauma, fungal infections, or psoriasis. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
5. Ram’s Horn Toenails (Onychogryphosis)
This condition results in extremely thick and curved toenails that resemble a horn. It is more common in elderly individuals or those with poor circulation. Regular trimming and professional care from a chiropodist or podiatrist are essential for management.
