Pay Attention to Your Toenails

With summer quickly approaching, most of us are taking out our sandals and are considering a fresh pedicure. Keeping our toes healthy and clean is always important, but unfortunately, many people don't take it seriously enough. There are plenty of problems our toenails can face, which is why prevention is the best course of action. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Instead, keep an eye on your toes and follow this simple guide to keeping your toenails in the best shape this summer.

Keep An Eye Out for Red Flags

People tend to forget about their toenails until there’s a problem. However, it’s important to inspect them often. Some of the most common toenail problems include:

-       Black or discolored toenails

-       Brittle toenails

-       Thick claw-like toenails

-       Ingrown toenails

-       Toenail fungus

Prevention Is Best

Thankfully, there are some basic things you can do to prevent many of the above problems. First, it’s always best to consult an experienced podiatrist before trying anything yourself. A few simple things you can do right away include:

-       Sterilize your nail clippers

-       Do not lend or borrow nail clippers

-       Keep your feet clean and dry

-       Avoid walking barefoot, especially at public pools or showers

-       Clip your nails straight across

-       Soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salts

Is It Time to See a Podiatrist?

You should visit a doctor if you're experiencing any discomfort or pain. Look for signs of infections, such as redness, swelling, or puss. If you see any blood under your toenail, that could be a sign of nail trauma. Fungus might be the cause of nails that are thick, brittle, or discolored. You may need over-the-counter medicine to treat fungal nails if it continues. A podiatrist may prescribe stronger oral or topical treatment. Pain in the joints of your toe might indicate a sprain or even a break.

At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we specialize in custom orthotics and various other foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are dedicated to helping our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.