Posts for tag: toe
Well, summertime is here again. Time for vacation! It’s the time of year when we trade our Uggs and clogs for sandals and flip-flops. Although sandals offer less friction and less constriction of the feet, there can be problems caused by increased activity in these stylish summer kicks. I am referring to the Disney toenail. It never fails; I get several patients a week with the common problem of “a black toenail.” I refer to this as the Disney toenail, because it seems like when I ask where the vacation took place…it’s always from a long day walking at Disney. When you wear sandals for long periods you subconsciously use your toes to hold on a flip-flop or thong type sandal. This grasping motion occurs so many times a day, constantly pushing the toe into the nail and eliciting pressure that eventually a blood vessel breaks under the nail. This bleeds under the nail and causes the nail to turn black. It can be painful if the blood gets trapped under the nail and doesn’t cause lifting. Otherwise, the nail itself usually lifts off the nail bed and the pressure is released. Unfortunately, the nail will likely fall off or need to be removed if it is loose. This is usually not painful and can be done in the office, with the use of local anesthetic if necessary. The nail will grow back, although not by the end of the summer. But, despite having one less nail for the summer, it can be a reminder of a great Disney vacation! So, if you find yourself walking around Disney this summer and you end up with a black or lifting nail, you can consider yourself a mousketeer with an official Disney toenail.
Trimming toenails may seem like a simple task, but it shouldn’t be done carelessly. Most people do not need to have their nails trimmed by a podiatrist; those with diabetes are an exception. Diabetics should visit a specialist, like those at Coastal Podiatry Associates, to reduce the risk of future foot problems. When trimming toenails, it is important to use proper technique to avoid creating ingrown toenails or an infection. Ingrown toenails are nails that become lodged in the skin, instead of growing normally. They can cause pain and may lead to serious infection. Sometimes, nails just grow naturally into the skin, no matter what you do. 
Here are some simple techniques to properly cut the nails to avoid toenail pain.
Use appropriate toenail clippers. Larger nails need larger clippers. This is why toenail clippers are much larger than fingernails. Keep your clippers clean by wiping them with rubbing alcohol before each use.
Leave nails a little long. Cutting nails too short can also cause ingrown toenails. By doing so, it puts the nail at risk of infection.
Cut nails when they are dry. Wet nails are more likely to tear, bend, or cut poorly because they soften when wet.
Cut straight across. Nails shouldn’t dig down on the sides. Guide the clippers straight across, follow the shape of the nail, and then use the curve on the clippers to cut the nail’s edges.
Nail filing. If you like to file your toenails, do not drag the file back and forth. Gently move the nail file in one direction across the top of each nail. Try using a glass nail file. This offers more protection and is easy to clean.
Everyone’s nails grow at different speeds, so it’s important to keep an eye on the length of your nails. Make sure to trim them before they start rubbing against shoes and causing pain. Clean, well-cared for, and neatly trimmed toenails lead to comfortable, healthy feet.
If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, please visit one of our locations in Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Conway or Little River or to make an appointment call 843-449-FOOT.