Tight shoes, careless clipping, and infections are just some examples of things that can mess with healthy toenails. Dr. Heidi M. Christie and Dr. Chanda L. Day-Houts, our skilled podiatrists here at Montgomery Foot Care Specialists in Montgomery, Alabama, can help restore your problem toenails to good health. Here are three common toenail issues that may benefit from our expertise:

1. Ingrown toenails. A nail that grows downward, rather than straight out, digs into the soft flesh of your toe. The result is redness, swelling, the potential for infection, and often great pain. You can try to treat an ingrown toenail at home by soaking your foot in warm salt water, keeping your foot elevated, and taking anti-inflammatory medications. Take note: if you’ve got diabetes or peripheral arterial disease, never attempt to treat an ingrown toenail yourself. Anyone who can’t wear shoes or walk comfortably because of the pain of an ingrown toenail should make an appointment with Dr. Christie or Dr. Day-Houts.
2. Discolored nails. If you’re a serious runner, you probably know all about black toenails. Likewise, if you’ve recently dropped something heavy on your toe, there’s no question as to why that nail has turned black. Other reasons for discolored toenails aren’t as obvious, though. Toenails with white spots can indicate an underlying medical condition or mineral deficiency. Black lines should be evaluated, as they can indicate something serious, like cancer. Yellowing nails are probably infected with a fungus. Contact us for a full evaluation of unexplained or troubling colors in your toenails.
3. Nails that break easily. Brittle nails could be caused by hypothyroidism or a vitamin deficiency. However, we can usually trace crumbling toenails to some form of fungal infection, especially if accompanied by discoloration. Once a fungus takes up residence in your toenail, it can be difficult to evict. Our podiatrists can zap out a severe infection with strong medications or laser therapy.

Our entire staff stands ready to help you with toenail problems and all other ailments of the feet. Call our Montgomery County office at (334) 396-3668 or make an appointment online.