Thousand Oaks Toenail Abnormalities

Treatment for Ingrown Toenails, Hammertoes, & Fungal Infections with Newbury Park Podiatrists

Have you noticed something odd about your toenails? There are many medical conditions that affect the toenails that a podiatrist can help you with.

At Performance Foot and Ankle, we provide diagnosis and treatment for hammertoes, ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and other toenail deformities. If you are having problems with your toe or toenail, contact us online today or call (805) 380-3152.

Hammertoes

A hammertoe is a deformity that occurs in the joints of the toes. Hammertoes usually start out as small bends in the toe. Over time, they will continue to sew out of shape. Instead of pointing straight, the toe may now be pointing to the side or even jam itself into the side of the adjacent toe.

If left untreated, a hammertoe can become permanently bent. Hammertoes can result in the formation of other foot conditions, such as calluses or corns.

In the early stages, hammertoes can be treated by switching to more comfortable shoes and wearing orthotic shoe inserts. If the toe has become permanently affixed to its deformed position, you may need surgery to fix it.

Nail Fungus

You may first notice nail fungus as yellow spots under the tip of the fingernails. As the fungal infection progresses, it will degrade the integrity of the toenail, creating a cracked, flakey appearance.

In addition to distorting your nail’s appearance, fungal infections can be painful and the infection can spread to other parts of the body. Fungal infections are particularly dangerous for patients with diabetes. Poor circulation in the feet and legs is a common side effect of diabetes, and this can increase the risk of spreading infection.

It can be difficult to treat nail fungus by yourself. Be sure to have a medical professional monitor your condition so they can perform the appropriate intervention.

Ingrown Toenails

What Happens If You Leave An Ingrown Toenail Untreated?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the corner of your toenail starts growing into flesh. As the nail grows, it cuts into the skin, rooting itself deeper and causing more pain. Also, if left untreated, you run the risk of tearing the skin, exposing you to infection that leads to pus and bad odor. In many cases, ingrown toenails can be treated at home by extracting the deformed nail. However, take care not to damage the rest of your nail, as improperly cutting an ingrown toenail can change the nail shape so that it continuously grows into the flesh. A podiatrist can remove the ingrown toenail for you and help you take steps to prevent another one from occurring. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for ingrown toenail treatment in Camarillo, Thousand Oaks or Santa Clarita.