Toenail Conditions

INGROWN TOENAILS

Millions of Americans suffer from ingrown toenails. Sometimes, the pain is so severe they find themselves missing work and canceling social activities. “Why, then, do they avoid treatment?” you might be asking. What they don’t realize is that home remedies are often more painful than proper medical treatment. We, as foot and ankle surgeons/physicians offer various treatments such as removing the ingrown toenail for immediate relief.

Now, there is an office laser procedure that eliminates ingrown toenails permanently. The laser cauterizes the root of the ingrown portion of the nail, allowing the toenail to grow normal and straight. The procedure can be comfortably performed in the office. You will be able to walk immediately.

Ingrown nails are nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the soft tissue of nail grooves, often leading to irritation, redness, and swelling. Usually, toenails grow straight out. Sometimes, however, one or both corners or sides curve and grow into the flesh. The big toe is usually the victim of this condition, but other toes can also become affected. This can lead to painful infections and loss of mobility. If you suspect an infection due to an ingrown toenail, immerse the foot in a warm Epsom salt-water soak for 20 minutes and repeat twice a day for 3 days, if there is no improvement call our office.

THE DANGERS OF “FIXING” INGROWN TOENAILS AT HOME INCLUDE:

• Increased pain

• Infection which might necessitate more extensive treatment

• Serious complications in people with circulatory problems and diabetes, such as infection, gangrene and threatened limb loss

THE REAL CAUSES OF INGROWN TOENAILS ARE:

• Family history

• Tight fitting shoes or socks

• Curved nails

• Fungus nail infection

• Trauma (injury) to the nail

Please schedule an appointment with Houslanger & Kassnove Podiatrists and learn all your treatment options.

TOENAIL FUNGUS

OUR TOENAIL FUNGUS SPECIALISTS CAN HELP YOU

At Houslanger & Kassnove Podiatrists we use the latest treatment protocols including debridements, topical and oral medication when indicated and footwear disinfection. These treatments are painless, easy & convenient which transforms your discolored and disfigured toenails into clearer, healthier looking nails

WHAT IS TOENAIL FUNGUS?

Fungal infection of the nail, or onychomycosis, is often ignored because the infection can be present for years without causing any pain. The disease is characterized by a progressive change in a toenail's thickness and color, which is often ugly and embarrassing. In reality, the condition is an infection of the nail caused by fungi. When the tiny organisms take hold, the nail often becomes darker in color and foul smelling. Debris may collect beneath the nail plate, white marks frequently appear on the nail plate, and the infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails. If ignored, the infection can spread and possibly impair one's ability to work or even walk. Onychomycosis can also be accompanied by a secondary bacterial or yeast infection in or about the nail plate. People who suffer from chronic diseases, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails. Other contributing factors may be a history of athlete's foot and excessive perspiration.

PREVENTION

• Proper hygiene and regular inspection of the feet and toes are the first lines of defense against fungal nails.

• Clean and dry feet resist disease.

• Shower shoes should be worn when possible in public areas.

• Shoes, socks, or hosiery should be changed at least once daily.

• Wear shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.

Don't apply polish to nails suspected of bacterial infection—those that are red, discolored, or swollen, for example.

TIPS TO HELP PREVENT RECURRENCE OF NAIL FUNGUS

• Discard Old Shoes. This removes the external fungal source.

• Alternate days wearing different pairs of shoes. Allows shoes to dry, reducing fungal environment.

• Wash feet regularly (daily). This decreases fungal presence on feet.

• Make an appointment at the first sign of a change in the toenail. This decreases the progression of the fungus infection and allows for quicker healing time with less spread and destruction of the toenails.

• Apply antifungal spray to shoes once a week, which is available in our office for your convenience.

• Oral treatments are also available as well to treat fungus.

Please schedule an appointment with Houslanger & Kassnove Podiatrists and learn all your treatment options.