In their protective role, nails bear the brunt of daily activities.  Walking, running, wearing shoes or participating in sports are just a few of the stresses and strains the feet must endure.  All or a portion of the nail plate can be damaged when the feet are injured or abused.

 

Nail problems are commonly caused by improper trimming, minor injuries or repeated trauma.  Some nail disorders can also be congenital.

 

Painful ingrown nails may be congenital, caused by an over-curvature of the nail, or an imbalance between the width of the nail plate and the nail bed.

 

Toe injuries that change the nail's contour also can lead to an ingrown toenail.  Toe deformities (such as a bunion that forces the big toe to lean toward the second toe), high heeled or narrow, pointed shoes can put pressure between the nail and soft tissues, eventually forcing the nail to grow into the skin.

 

Ingrown nails can be accompanied by other toe disorders, such as excess surrounding tissues or an outgrowth of bone beneath the nail.

 

Treatments usually consist of trimming the nail properly or removing of the improper nail either on a permanent or non-permanent basis.

 

Various types of fungi are present everywhere in the environment.  The dark, moist surrounding created by shoes and stockings make the feet especially susceptible to fungal infection.

 

Most fungi are harmless until they penetrate the skin.  A fungus can invade through minor cuts, or after injury or repeated irritation to the toes have caused the nail to separate from the bed.

 

Treatments for onychomycosis consist of several options from oral medications to simple self trimming.  Visit your podiatrist to discuss which options may be best for you.