Toenails are something we all have in common, but most of the time they get ignored until there is a problem. At Parkside Podiatry in Burgess Hill, we see and treat a wide range of toenail issues.

Difficulty cutting your toenails

Many people don’t think about cutting their toenails until it becomes difficult to do so, however this can can cause much bigger problems. Nails that are too long can cut into the toe causing bruising on the nail bed if they’re left too long, or cause a wound to form under the nail from pressure. Nail cutting may sound simple, but it’s important to ensure its done at the right time so they’re kept at a proper length ensuring good foot health and mobility.

Thick toenails

Thick toenails are another common problem. Cutting them at home can be very difficult, and some people even joke about needing an angle grinder to trim them. Thick nails can be caused by trauma or fungal nail infections. At our clinic, we have the equipment and expertise to safely thin thick nails and trim them to a comfortable length. Thickened nails should not be ignored as they can cause pain, damage the skin under the nail, and even lead to wounds.

Ingrowing toenails

Ingrowing toenails are painful and can cause further problems such as infection and difficulty carrying out daily activities. When the nail presses into the skin at the side, extra tissue can form that may bleed or weep. This is called hypergranulation tissue. The sooner an ingrowing toenail is treated, the better. We may be able to manage it without surgery, or sometimes nail surgery is recommended. At Parkside Podiatry we are fully qualified to carry out nail surgery in our clinic, so you can be confident that your care is safe.

Curved or involuted nails

Some nails grow in a curved shape. Even if the nail is not digging into the skin, it can still be very uncomfortable. It is important to have a podiatrist look at the nail so we can relieve pain and help prevent problems in the future.

Fungal nail infections

Fungal nail infections are common and can be frustrating to treat at home. Infected nails may become discoloured, flaky, crumbly, thickened, or develop an unpleasant smell. We can assess your nails and recommend the best course of treatment for fungal nail infections.

When to seek professional advice

There are other toenail problems we treat, but these are the most common. Please do not feel embarrassed about your toenails. We have seen every type of problem and are here to help.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, you can book an appointment for a Routine Podiatry Appointment, a General Foot Assessment, or if needed, discuss Toenail Surgery with our team. You can also find more information about treating Fungal Nail Infections on our website.