Down To Your Toes
While few people consider their toenails the favorite part of their body, the toenails are important and need some attention to be healthy. Toenails are sensitive because they require a high metabolic activity level to grow based on their small size. They can easily become infected, discolored, or deformed. Toenails may also reveal a systemic condition, such as an iron deficiency anemia (inwardly rounded nails), psoriasis (pitting and thickening), or a circulatory problem (darkening, thickening, brittleness or discoloring). The most common toenail problems are ingrown nails and fungal infections. Ingrown toenails occur when part of the nail grows into the flesh, which can lead to pain, swelling, and redness. Fungal infections develop when bacteria or fungi lodge in the toenails.
Most people give little thought to their toenails beyond the occasional trimming. Because they are at the far point of our circulatory system, however, they can serve as barometers of our health, a diagnostic tool proving signals of the presence or onset of other conditions of our bodies. They can also carry their own set of problems, though, including ingrown toenails and fungal nails. If you’re ready to get down to your toes, schedule an evaluation at one of our Foot and Ankle Centers of Excellence!
