Skip to main content

Toenails: Your Questions Answered

Toenails can be an area of concern for many. In addition to fungus, ingrown nails, and injury Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists treats all types of nail conditions, and today he’s sharing answers to some of the more common questions he receives about toenails.

I exercised in a new pair of shoes and now a portion of my big toenail is turning black and loosening; what could it be?

The discoloration is probably due to trauma to the nail bed that caused bleeding under the nail. It’s usually the result of repetitive stress to the nail from wearing shoes that are too tight.  If the nail is exceptionally loose or more than one-half of the nail is black, it is best to see your podiatrist.

How will I know if I have toenail fungus?

This is a slowly developing infection beneath the nail. Some usual signs of toenail fungus are browning or yellowing of the toenail, change in the texture of the toenail, thickening of the nail and peeling debris under the nail.

The skin next to my toenail is red and itchy - could my nail be infected?

These are two probable signs of an infection, especially if the nail’s protective cuticle was pushed back or cut during a pedicure, for instance.

I dropped a heavy object on my toe and the toenail became very thick. If it is removed, will it be normal when it grows back?

Having a damaged toenail removed usually doesn’t result in a healthier nail. When the nail growth center has been damaged, it typically continues to produce a nail that looks different.

I keep getting ingrown toenails – why do they keep returning?

The most common reason is due to the shape of the big toe and the bone position. Another factor that can be to blame is ill-fitting shoes. Be sure to keep your toenails at a healthy length and cut the nail straight across.

If you have any questions regarding your toenail health, contact the office of Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists at (425) 455-0936 to book your visit or schedule an appointment online.

Author
Dr. Hubert Lee

You Might Also Enjoy...

doctor using REMY laser therapy on a foot

How REMY Laser Therapy Clears Up Toenail Infections

We at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists offer a fantastic, non-invasive solution: REMY Laser Therapy. Let’s see how this specialized laser works – and why it’s becoming a leading therapy for tackling onychomycosis.
female wearing sneakers walking outdoors

Why Podiatrists Look Beyond the Foot

When your foot hurts, it rarely stays just a foot thing. You change how you walk, other joints start chiming in, and suddenly your day gets smaller. Our feet are connected with everything. That’s why podiatrists like us study far more than toes and arches.
Kid Tying a shoelace

Why Your Child's Shoelaces Can Cause Foot Problems

We at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists get it: as a parent, you want to make sure your child's shoes stay on, so you pull those shoelaces tight. Really tight. Keep reading to find out why you should kick it back a notch when tying those laces.
Athlete running

Treatment Protocols for Athletic Foot and Ankle Injuries

School is back, which means sports are also back. And for us at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists, this means an increase in sports-related foot and ankle injuries. But which ones do we usually see the most? And what does treatment look like for them?
ankle sprain bandaged up

5 Common Ankle Sprain Misconceptions

An ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries, and we at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists see patients with wounded ankles every day. Here are 5 myths about ankle sprains that we’d like to clear up ASAP.