July 17, 2023
Black toenails can be an unsightly but under-discussed topic for some individuals. The condition can stem from an injury, an underlying health issue, or ill-fitting shoes. A black toenail is likely a bruise under the nail, called a subungual hematoma.
Seeing a black toenail at first glance can be alarming and uncomfortable, especially for first-timers. Fortunately, the discolouration and potential pain associated with blackened toenails are generally not a cause for concern.
While the condition may not always be serious, understanding its possible causes, prevention methods, and treatment options is crucial for maintaining overall foot health and finding relief. Today, we'll focus on black toenails.
In this article, you'll learn more about the common causes, treatment options, and prevention tips for black toenails:
Causes of black toenails
Causes of black toenails typically fall under three categories: injury, footwear, or an underlying health issue like a fungal infection. Below we dive into the three most likely culprits in more depth.
Trauma or injury
Stubbing the toe, dropping something heavy on your foot, or repetitive pressure from running or soccer can lead to a black toenail. Repeated pressure or friction to the nail bed can damage the blood vessels under the nail, ultimately creating a black toenail. For instance, marathon runners often get black toenails after running long distances.
Ill-fitting footwear
Shoes that are too tight or do not provide adequate toe room can cause repeated pressure and friction on the toenail. Whether on the job or wearing the wrong shoes for your partaking activity, ill-fitting footwear can be the culprit for black toenails.
Fungal infection
Sometimes, a black toenail can result from a fungal infection that affects the nail bed.
Rare causes
If none of the above apply to you, you shouldn't necessarily rule out rarer causes. In this case, consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis.
Rare causes of black toenails include:
Malignant melanoma
Chronic ingrown nail
Other health problems
Treatment for a black toenail
Generally, black toenails aren't severe and are more of a sight for sore eyes. If you have a black toenail, you can do the following:
Observation and self-care: If the black toenail is painless and there are no signs of infection, you can let the nail heal independently. It will typically take several weeks for the discoloured nail to grow naturally. The discolouration could take 6-8 months to disappear as the nail grows and you trim away the culprit.
Rest and elevation: Resting and elevating the foot above heart level can help reduce swelling and promote healing.
Ice: Applying ice packs wrapped in a cloth to the affected area can help reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling.
Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can alleviate pain if necessary.
Protective padding: You can use cushioned bandages or moleskin padding to protect the affected toe to prevent further irritation.
Professional treatment: Sometimes, a foot specialist may need to drain the blood from under the nail to relieve pressure and facilitate healing.
Paint your nails: If aesthetics are a primary concern, you can cover the nail with nail polish to hide the visible signs of a black toenail. Just first make sure you don't have any exposed skin or abrasions, as this can then lead to infection.
Prevention tips for black toenails
Prevention for black toenails hones in on proper nail care and hygiene and investing in the proper footwear:
Invest in your footwear: Ensure that your shoes fit well and provide enough room for your toes to move freely. Avoid tight or narrow shoes that can cause pressure on the toenails. Investing in the proper footwear also means having specific footwear for each purpose - for instance, at work, casually, or while playing a sport.
Protect your feet: If you engage in activities that pose a higher risk of a toe injury, such as sports or heavy lifting, consider wearing protective footwear or toe guards.
Trim your toenails: Trim your toenails straight and avoid cutting them too short to prevent trauma or ingrown nails. For more tips on how to cut your toenails, read our nail trimming guide. Further, use toenail clippers for your toenails, not fingernail clippers.
Maintain good foot hygiene and habits: Keep your feet clean and dry to minimize the risk of fungal infections affecting the nails.
Regular inspections: Regularly examine your feet and nails for any signs of damage or discolouration. Promptly address any issues to prevent further complications.
If the black toenail is accompanied by severe pain, signs of infection (such as redness, swelling, or discharge), or if it doesn't improve within a few weeks, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess the condition, provide appropriate treatment, and ensure no underlying issues require further attention.
June 19, 2023
Toenails serve a critical role in the health of our feet. They are are sensory organs that act like a shield, providing a critical layer of protection. The various parts of the toenail comprise toenail anatomy. These parts work together to protect the underlying tissues of the toe and aid in walking and other activities.
Toenails may look like a singular unit, they're actually pretty complex. In this blog post, we'll dive into the structure and functions of the different parts of our toenail anatomy, providing a deeper understanding of this often-overlooked aspect of foot health.
Nail plate
The nail plate is the hard part of the nail and is comprised of a tough protective protein called alpha-keratin. Keratin adds strength and durability to the nail. The nail plate grows out from the nail matrix. It is translucent, and its colour can vary from white to yellowish-brown, depending on the thickness and the presence of underlying tissues. The end of the nail plate is part of the nail you trim away when clipping your toenails.
Nail bed
The nail bed is the skin under the nail. It nourishes and supports the nail. The nail bed is composed of blood vessels, nerves, and cells called melanocytes, all of which combine to produce the pigment that gives the nail its colour. When the nail bed is damaged, you may notice your toenail appears to change colour. For instance, your nail bed may produce a purple/darkish colour known as a black toenail, which occurs when the nail bed is damaged and pools blood.
Nail matrix
Did you know it takes roughly 18 months for a toenail to grow its entire length? This is thanks to the nail matrix, which helps dictate toenail growth. The nail matrix is the part of the nail bed that produces new nail cells. It is at the base of the nail plate, just beneath the cuticle. The nail matrix contains specialized cells called keratinocytes, which produce the protein that forms the nail plate.
Lunula
The lunula is the crescent-shaped white area at the base of the nail plate. It's the actively-growing component of the nail. The lunula is sometimes called the "half-moon" of the nail due to its curvature and half-ringed shape.
Cuticle
The cuticle is the thin skin layer covering the nail plate's base. It protects new nails from bacteria when they grow from the root, and also helps to keep the nail plate hydrated.
Nail folds
The nail folds are the skin folds surrounding the sides and base of the nail plate. They help to anchor the nail plate in place and provide support and protection to the surrounding tissues. Nail folds direct the nail growth in the correct direction and shape. When the nail folds are damaged, you may experience horizontal grooves across the nail, known as Beau's lines.
Nail groove
The nail groove separates the nail plate and the nail fold. It helps to direct water and debris away from the nail bed.
May 29, 2023
Ingrown toenails are the most common nail problem. And with toenails being put under pressure when running, combining the two can be challenging, but not totally out of the question.
Although running with ingrown toenails can be uncomfortable and increase the risk of infection, it is doable. There are steps you can take to manage the discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.
This article discusses tips on managing the pain associated with running with an ingrown toenail and ways to prevent infection. Don't let an ingrown toenail stop you from your running routine; read on to learn more!
Can I run with an ingrown toenail?
Yes. If the ingrown toenail is mild, and you take the proper precautions, you can safely run. The key is to manage discomfort and do your best to reduce the risk of complications or infection. However, there is a difference between whether you can run versus should run, and you should weigh the pros and cons outlined below.
First, it's important to note that running with an ingrown toenail can worsen the condition and increase the risk of complications. If the pain is severe or you experience signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or discharge, seek medical attention immediately.
If the ingrown toenails worsen, see a chiropodist or other healthcare professional. They may recommend antibiotics, specialized treatment or surgery to remove part of the affected nail.
How to manage discomfort when running with an ingrown toenail
To enjoy running with ingrown toenails, you must take steps to control the discomfort, reduce the risk of complications and keep the pain at bay. Here are some tips:
Monitor pain and symptoms: There's no denying that physical activity can aggravate ingrown toenails. Sports with ground forces due to athletic activity, obesity or constricting footwear aid overlapping lateral nail fold penetration.
Trim the toenail properly: If the ingrown toenail is mild, you can trim it yourself. Use a clean pair of nail clippers and cut the nail straight across without rounding the edges. Cutting straight across prevents the nail from growing into the adjacent skin. If your ingrown toenail is more persistent, inflamed or painful, you should see a chiropodist for treatment to prevent any risks and complications.
Trim the toenail using toenail clippers: Avoid using fingernail clippers for your toenails. The strength and thickness of our toenails demand a more rigid tool to trim effectively.
Wear proper shoes: Wear shoes that fit correctly and provide enough room for your toes to move freely. Tight or narrow shoes can crowd the toes and increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
Take pain medication: Pain relievers can help to manage the discomfort associated with ingrown toenails.
See a chiropodist for professional treatment: If your ingrown toenail is painful, inflamed, or has persisted for a long time, you should book an appointment with a chiropodist to have it properly and safely treated. This will reduce the risk of infection and allow you to resume running pain-free.
How to avoid infection when running with an ingrown toenail?
To prevent your ingrown toenail from worsening while running, taking the proper measures to avoid infection is vital. You can take steps to manage the discomfort and reduce the risk of complications when running with ingrown toenails. Here are some tips:
Keep the affected toenail clean: Wash the affected toe with soap and water daily, and keep it dry. A clean and dry site will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
Apply topical treatments: You can use over-the-counter antiseptic or antibiotic ointments to the affected area to help prevent infection.
Use clean toenail clippers (and maybe one from our top picks): Don't use someone else's nail clippers; clean them off before use. Bacteria are invisible to the eye, so be safe with what you put your feet in contact with. For instance, you wouldn't want to risk catching the fungus that causes athlete's foot.
Apply a bandage over the ingrown toenail: Once you've cleaned the affected toenail, apply a bandage over the toenail before starting your run. This will help prevent any outside bacteria from penetrating the nail and surrounding skin.
May 15, 2023
Ingrown toenails can look harmless but can be pretty painful. What starts as abnormal nail growth can quickly turn into a full-blown ingrown toenail. When the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin, you'll experience pain, swelling, and redness.
If left untreated, ingrown toenails can worsen and possibly lead to infection. We're here to help prevent that from happening. In this guide, you'll learn more about how to prevent and treat ingrown toenails.
How to prevent ingrown toenails
Prevention of ingrown toenails goes hand-in-hand with proper foot and toenail hygiene. Healthy nails are not just for show; they're a critical part of our feet.
Trim your toenails straight across.
The safest and most effective method to prevent ingrown toenails is to cut your toenails carefully. We recommend cutting your toenails straight across and avoiding clipping the corners to round them off. Use a high-quality toenail clipper, one sturdy enough to handle the toughness of toenails (rather than using tools meant for fingernails).
Avoid cutting them too short, as the surrounding skin may grow over the nail. If you're ever in doubt about a proper toenail routine or how to cut your nails, book a medical pedicure so a foot specialist can eliminate the risk.
Keep toenails at a moderate length.
Trim toenails so they're in line with the tips of your toes as if you were to draw a straight line. Toenails cut too short may adversely affect the nail when you wear shoes. Pay close attention to any loose or jagged edges and those that can get caught and damage your nail.
Wear suitable footwear
Wear shoes that fit correctly and do not squeeze your toes together. Avoid shoes with a narrow-toe box. Tight shoes can force your toes together, putting your nail at risk of digging into the surrounding skin.
Practice good foot hygiene.
Foot hygiene involves a multi-faceted routine. Keep your feet clean and dry when possible. Regularly check your feet for any abnormalities or irregularities. And finally, book annual foot check-ups. Regular foot assessments are beneficial if you have diabetes or any other condition where you may be more vulnerable to foot issues.
How to treat ingrown toenails
Treatment of ingrown toenails typically comprises at-home treatment and professional treatment. There is more to risk by trying to treat ingrown toenails entirely by yourself, but at-home methods can help relieve pain and preserve the nail while waiting for an appointment at a foot clinic.
Generally, we do not recommend cutting the toenail yourself, as it may exacerbate the issue. Instead, try the following:
At-home treatment of ingrown toenails
Soak your feet in Epsom salt water to help soothe pain and discomfort. After soaking, gently massage the area around the ingrown toenail to help relieve pain and pressure.
Routinely clean the area of pus and blood, if needed.
Apply sparing amounts of Polysporin ointment and cover with a bandage when going out.
Wear shoes with a broader toe to accommodate added space in your footwear, thus reducing the pressure on the toes.
Avoid or reduce physical activity if such activity impacts your feet and toes.
Take pain relief medication as needed or as your doctor recommends to help control pain and discomfort.
Apply an antiseptic, such as hydrogen peroxide, to the affected area to prevent infection.
Professional treatment of ingrown toenails
Next, a professional can effectively treat ingrown toenails by doing the following:
Proper toenail care and trimming: A chiropodist can properly trim and cut your toenails in a way that promotes proper nail growth. Proper nail trims both treat existing ingrown toenails and can prevent them from occurring in the future.
Softening the skin, lifting the edge of the nail from the skin, and then propping the corner of the nail up over the skin edge until the skin heals.
Oral and topical antibiotics to prevent or heal the infection.
Safely lancing and draining pockets of pus (the toe is numbed first with a local anesthetic).
Applying a specially formulated composite material called Onyfix. It serves as a corrective brace for the nail's growth and can be used to treat recurrent ingrown toenails.
In more severe cases, surgery may be performed. This can can involve removing a narrow strip down the length of the toenail (partial nail avulsion (PNA), or removing the entire toenail (total nail avulsion (TNA). These procedures may be performed if more conservative, non-surgical treatments don't work.
Phenol can be applied to the nail's root beneath the cuticle to prevent regrowth. The method inhibits nail growth following PNA or TNA.
All treatments from a chiropodist use medical-grade products and a fresh set of sterilized instruments for each client. The sterilization process used by chiropodists will remove and kill all microorganisms, such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and spores. We also thoroughly cleanse your feet with an alcohol solution at the beginning of every appointment.
May 1, 2023
Medical pedicures can significantly enhance and supplement your overall foot care routine. Think of a medical pedicure as a way to relax while having your feet inspected and relieved of pain. By working with a licensed chiropodist or foot care professional, you can ensure your feet receive the care they need to stay healthy and pain-free.
Medical pedicures perform double duty in that they're a blend of foot care and nail care, combined with the foot care benefits provided by chiropodists.
This article covers how a medical pedicure can benefit you and your feet.
1. Improved foot health
First and foremost, a medical pedicure can serve as both a treatment and a preventative method for common foot problems. During a medical pedicure, any number of the following can be prevented or treated:
Diabetes-related foot complications
Calluses
Corns
Blisters
Cracked Heels
Ingrown toenails
Athlete's foot
Fungal Toenails
Discoloured Toenails
Cracked toenails
We recommend routine medical pedicures for patients prone to foot issues or those with diabetes.
2. Reduced risk of infections
A medical pedicure can also help prevent you from developing infections in several ways. First, medical pedicures use sterile instruments and follow strict hygiene to reduce the risk of infections. Suppose you have any conditions or auto-immune diseases that increase your health risks. A medical pedicure performed by a chiropodist would be safe for you.
The second is that leaving certain foot care routines to a foot specialist - like toenail clipping, corn removal, blister care, or callus debridement - takes the unknown out of the equation. Sometimes, leaving treatment to a professional outweighs the risk of doing it yourself at home (and risking mishaps).
3. Pain relief
A medical pedicure can relieve pain for people with foot problems, such as corns, calluses or ingrown toenails. A foot care professional can safely treat these conditions, reducing pain and discomfort. Corns and calluses can have some side effects, including altering your gait and could lead to other foot conditions if you're not careful, so it's a good idea not to let these conditions linger.
4. An up-close look at your feet
A chiropodist takes a complete medical history for any underlying conditions or concerns you have. Additionally, they thoroughly examine your feet to diagnose unknown issues or conditions that may worsen. A complete picture of the health of your feet is reassuring for your feet's future, and you'll be provided with foot care advice and a treatment plan to keep your feet healthy going forward.
5. Relax and moisturize your feet
Beyond preventative and treatable measures, a medical pedicure can be a relaxing experience. In addition to tending to your skin and toenails, chiropodists apply an intense moisturization treatment with high-quality medical strength moisturizing products leaving your feet soft and smooth, stronger, and more elastic. Moisturizing isn't just about soft feet; it strengthens your skin's protective barrier and makes your feet less susceptible to future issues.
February 27, 2023
Poor foot health can significantly impact a person's everyday life. It can not only be painful and uncomfortable, but it could also be costly, lead to skin and fungal infections or foot conditions, and be generally unpleasant.
Poor foot health can mean several things, including:
A lack of foot hygiene.
Ignoring aches and pains.
Wearing unsuitable shoes (whether it's the type or sizing).
Skipping regular checkups.
Any individual or combination of habits can contribute to poor foot health. The absence of proper foot health may lead to minor conditions that could manifest into more severe foot conditions.
In this article, get the inside scoop on how poor foot health can contribute to the following issues:
Pain and Discomfort
Foot and Skin Infections
Limitations in Footwear Choices
Added Costs
Reduced Mobility
Affects on Physical appearance/aesthetics
We'll also give you our top tips for how to prevent these issues and keep your feet in tip-top shape.
1. Pain and discomfort
First and foremost, poor foot health can be painful and cause discomfort. Pain is a symptom of poor foot health that cannot be ignored. Walking, running, or physical activity can become arduous and uncomfortable. The source of the pain may be any number of skin or musculoskeletal foot conditions.
Poor foot health can lead to painful skin conditions, including blisters, calluses, ingrown toenails, and cracked heels. Skin conditions are generally quicker to develop and may be more manageable. Additionally, poor foot health can lead to short- and long-term musculoskeletal foot conditions, including bunions, hallux rigidus, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, gout, and more. Both skin and musculoskeletal foot conditions can be painful and uncomfortable.
Pain and discomfort from poor foot health not only affects the feet. After all, the feet are our body's foundation. If you have poor foot mechanics, you may begin to compensate in other parts of your body. For instance, poor foot mechanics can misalign your pelvis, causing lower back pain.
2. Foot and skin infections
Poor hygiene and neglect to clean and care for your feet can lead to infections such as athlete's foot, which can be painful and spread to other body parts. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that targets the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. Fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm and moist environments, such as inside shoes or public showers, cause the condition.
Proper foot health to help prevent foot infections includes keeping the feet dry, avoiding being barefoot in public places, and not sharing linens or shoes with others.
3. Limitations in footwear choices
Poor foot health can cause deformities and inconsistencies in your feet. Irregular foot shapes can make it more challenging to wear standard footwear for work, at home, or for exercise.
Foot conditions like corns, calluses, and bunions can cause outgrowths. Outgrowths, whether bony or skin, may change the shape and size of your feet. This limits the types of shoes a person can wear, reducing their options for comfortable and stylish footwear.
4. Added costs
You may find that you're spending more money due to doing less. That's right. Inaction in the form of poor foot health or hygiene can be costly in the long run. You may need new footwear, require physiotherapy, or find you spend more on medication. The best treatment is prevention.
In more severe cases, you may require surgery, forcing you to take time off work and being unable to drive during your recovery period. For bunion surgery, for instance, it's recommended not to drive for 6-8 weeks if you have surgery on your right foot.
5. Reduced mobility
Poor foot health can impact a person's mobility in a restrictive way. The onset of various foot conditions can make standing, walking, running, or engaging in physical activity more difficult. Reduced mobility can also lead to a cycle of inactivity. A lack of physical activity can further exacerbate foot conditions like gout as joints and muscles seize up over time.
6. Affects on Physical Appearance/Aesthetics
Poor foot health can be a sight for sore eyes. Many foot conditions and injuries are visible, which can make you may feel less comfortable barefoot, especially in public. For instance, fungal infections and thick and discoloured toenails may be visually unappealing. You may notice decreased confidence or greater self-consciousness if you experience poor foot health.
How to prevent poor foot health: 10 tips
Now that you know that poor foot care can impact your quality of life, what can you do? Fortunately, preventing poor foot health, or building healthy feet, is simple if you put some work into it. Investing in your feet is the most effective way to prevent poor foot health. Prevention means following positive foot care habits like regular toenail trimming and moisturizing. It can also mean scheduling regular foot assessments or buying the proper footwear.
Here are our top 10 tips to prevent poor foot health:
Wear comfortable and suitable shoes. First and foremost, wear shoes that fit well and are comfortable. Avoid high heels or shoes with pointed toes for extended periods.
Practice good hygiene habits. Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash them regularly with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly after bathing or showering.
Moisturize your feet. Use a good quality foot cream to moisturize your feet and prevent cracking.
Care for your toenails. Keep your toenails trimmed and filed to prevent ingrown toenails.
Stretch your feet. Stretch your feet and toes regularly to improve flexibility and prevent foot problems.
Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can help improve circulation and keep your feet healthy.
Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can add strain to your feet, so it helps to maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid smoking. Smoking can reduce circulation to your feet, making it harder for them to heal if injured.
Wear appropriate socks. Wear socks that fit well and wick away moisture to prevent fungal infections and blisters.
Schedule regular checkups. See a chiropodist regularly to check your feet for any problems and get professional advice on foot care.
