Routine Nail Care Specialist

What do my toenails do?

Your toenails are your toes’ first line of defense. If you drop something heavy, stub your toe, or wear tight-fitting shoes, your toenails take the brunt of the impact, preventing daily wear and tear. 

Toenails are tough because they’re made from keratin, the same protein that’s found in your hair, skin, and fingernails.

What types of issues commonly affect toenails?

Whenever you put on a pair of shoes, go for a walk, or participate in strenuous physical activity, you expose your toes to friction, heat, and moisture. Combined, these factors cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including corns, calluses, and infection.

Corns

A corn is a hardened patch of dead skin with a hard, circular center. Corns usually develop near pressure points, on the sides or bottoms of your feet and toes. Putting pressure or weight on corns often causes pain and discomfort. Corns get their name because their circular center looks similar to a kernel of corn.

Calluses

A callus is an area of thickened skin on your foot, ankle, or toe that forms as a result of repeated friction. Calluses are rough and unsightly but don’t cause any pain. They’re also incredibly easy to remove.

Toenail damage

Athletes and active individuals are susceptible to chipped, cracked, and damaged toenails. Without proper care and regular maintenance, these issues can lead to an infection or other, more serious problems. 

When should I see a doctor about corns and calluses?

Corns and calluses aren’t necessarily serious, but if they cause you discomfort or interfere with your daily routine, it’s time to seek professional medical help. 

You should also call the doctor if a corn or callus starts bleeding, or if you develop a corn and also have a chronic health problem like heart disease or diabetes.

How is routine nail care performed?

At Foot & Ankle Specialty Center, the team specializes in safe, effective routine nail care. 

To determine if you’re a good candidate, your podiatrist performs a thorough physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks you a series of questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing.  

Oftentimes, corns and calluses disappear on their own. However, if your callus is thick and bothersome, your doctor may recommend shaving off a few layers of skin. For patients with damaged or infected toenails, the team also offers nail debridement, a noninvasive procedure that removes dead or diseased nails and skin.

Treatment for corns varies. Orthotics and prescription inserts can provide relief, but more serious cases may require prescription antibiotics to fight infection, topical creams to relieve pain, or even surgery.

If you’re concerned about the overall health of your feet and toenails, contact Foot & Ankle Specialty Center online or over the phone to schedule an appointment today.