TORONTO CHIROPODIST SHARES SOME INFORMATION ON TOENAIL DISORDERS

Nail Disorders

Fungal nails

Thickened, discoloured nails can be problematic not only cosmetically, but physically.  Superficial fungal infections appear on top of the nail as a white or yellow chalk like substance.  This can be easily treated in the office with minor sanding and topical treatment.  Unfortunately, other fungal infections are not as easily treated.  Trauma and maturity can cause nails to become thickened, brittle, and easily susceptible to fungus.  Fungus also adds to the thickness of the nail as well as debris and discolouration.  This can become painful due to the stiffness of the nail.  The surrounding skin can also become infected and cause further pathology.  A discussion of your medical history with your chiropodist will allow appropriate selection of medications to help treat the fungus.

Subungual hematoma

Traumatic injuries to the nail and nail bed may present as a black or blue discolouration under the nail.  If you have sustained an injury similar to the one described, it is necessary to have your foot examined.  Although the hematoma often will spontaneously resolve, there may be a fracture associated with it which may reveal a more complicatd problem requiring additional treatment from your chiropodist.

Ingrown nail/onychocryptosis

Offending nail borders can cut into the nail folds on either side of the nail causing discomfort in footwear.  A simple procedure (partial or total nail avulsion) can permanently remove a typical “ingrown nail”.

Paronychia

When an “ingrown nail” is present for an extended period of time or is poorly cut, an infection can occur.  In this instance, your chiropodist can remove the offending nail border and depending on the extent of the infection may prescribe the appropriate medication and management.

 
 

PROFESSIONAL FOOT CLINIC

416-465-8737

Toronto, ON Chiropodist Academy Foot and Orthotic

752 BROADVIEW AVENUE Toronto, ON M4K 2P1 

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