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Written by Mike Elsey

Published: 19 October 2015

Welcome to the Trekeek Foot Health Clinic's Blog. We will be featuring regular updates about the clinic, our treatments, and general foot care.

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Toe Nail Problems

Toenails often serve as barometers of our health; they are diagnostic tools providing the initial signal of the presence or onset of systemic diseases. For example, the pitting of nails and increased nail thickness can be manifestations of psoriasis. Concavity-nails that are rounded inward instead of outward-can foretell iron deficiency anaemia. Some nail problems can be conservatively treated with topical or oral medications while others require partial or total removal of the nail. Any discoloration or infection on or about the nail should be evaluated by a Foot Health Practitioner. The most common nail problems include the following: 

INGROWN TOENAIL

An ingrown toenail is a painful condition characterized by the nail digging into the surrounding skin, leading to inflammation and possible infection of the toe. This is a serious condition for people with impaired circulation, diabetes, or other systemic diseases.

CAUSES OF INGROWN TOENAILS

• Heredity
• Improper nail trimming
• Trauma
• Pressure from ill-fitting shoes
• Biomechanical foot imbalances

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Trim toenails straight across as a preventative measure.
• Select the proper shoe style and size.

WHAT CAN A Foot Health Practitioner DO FOR YOU?

• Perform a physical examination.
• Use Nail Bracing to correct the growth of the nail back into its correct position. After patients being advised to have the problem nail removed, we have been very successful in curing the problem completely using the bracing system. If you have this condition, please contact us for further information.

FUNGAL NAIL

A fungal nail is an infection characterised by a change in the toenail's colour, thickness, and quality. It may cause pain and difficulty in walking. Studies estimate that fungal nail infections affect three to five percent of the population. However, it is believed that because so many cases go unreported, the incidence is much higher.

CAUSES OF FUNGAL NAILS

• The spread of athlete's foot to the nails.
• Shoes and socks create a warm, dark and humid environment, which encourages fungal growth.
• Systemic disease.
• Trauma.
• Heredity.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Practice good foot hygiene, including daily washing of the feet with soap and water; drying feet carefully, especially between the toes; changing shoes regularly.
• Keep shoes and socks dry as a preventative measure.
• Wear shoes made of materials that breathe.
• Wear socks made of fibres that "wick" away moisture faster than cotton socks.
• Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promotes moisture.
• Shower shoes should be worn when possible in public areas.
• Disinfect home pedicure tools and instruments used to cut nails.
• Don't apply polish to nails suspected of infection-those that are red, discoloured or swollen.

WHAT CAN A Foot Health PRACTITIONER DO FOR YOU?

• Perform a physical examination.
• Culture the infected nail.
• Prescribe appropriate antifungals.

If you have any nail or foot problems and require help. Please contact: -

Trekeek Foot Health Clinic for an appointment on 01840 213 054

www.trekeekfoothealth.clinic