Nail Concerns

Most people seem to take at least some interest or preoccupation with their toenails. Of course, the pedicure industry is big business, and for centuries, people have viewed their feet and toenails as an important sign of beauty (or lack thereof). On a more serious note however, our toenails really can be a strong indicator of our overall health and well-being.
There are a LARGE number of different conditions which can affect the toenails. As you can imagine, they are subject to many forces and conditions throughout each day which are not very conducive to optimal health and function. On top of this, systemic conditions such as diabetes, blood disorders, and even cancers can show up in the toenails.
A big concern with toenails is infection. The borders of your toenails are responsible for the tough job of forming a protective barrier between the outside world and the underlying nail bed. It only takes a small opening created by light trauma or another condition in order for bacteria, fungi, or even certain viruses to invade. When they do, the situation is rarely systemic-thankfully-but you will still most likely experience the results. These can include pain, swelling, heat, or redness surrounding the nail plate. The nail can also become embedded in the surrounding skin, and you may notice some drainage of pus and other fluids.
Beyond a direct infection, there are plenty of other conditions to look out for with your nails. Nails that become hard, thickened, brittle, pitted, or change in other ways are definitely worth noting. These changes can be totally benign or really quite serious. Color changes-for example-may only indicate a mild reaction to trauma, or it could indicate a bone fracture or cancerous melanoma beneath the nail bed. Similarly, thickened nails are not huge concerns in themselves, but in a diabetic they may contribute to pressure ulcers which can ultimately lead to a toe amputation if left unchecked.
You might be surprised that ringworms, psoriasis, and even allergic reactions can all affect the toenails. Other findings can result from simple malnutrition or un-diagnosed genetic disorders. The trick is in distinguishing these scenarios from normal wear-and-tear and the aging process that we all experience. Podiatrists are experts at working through these issues and making suggestions on any treatment options. If you have questions regarding the health of your toenails, get a hold of one today. They’re happy to help!


Advanced Foot Care
Robert E. Kuvent, DPM
3225 S Alma School Rd
Chandler, AZ 85248
480.917.2300
http://www.yourfeetfixer.com