It’s easy to let toenail care fall by the wayside, but those few extra millimeters of nail can cause a surprising amount of trouble. We often think of long toenails as a simple cosmetic issue, but in reality, they can lead to a host of painful foot conditions. We at Syracuse Podiatry don’t want it to get to that point, so let’s explore some of the consequences.
Ingrown Toenails
A long nail that’s been trimmed improperly or has a natural curve can catch on your sock or press into the skin by your shoe. This inevitably forces the edge of the nail to dig into your skin and cause an ingrown toenail. This can lead to redness, swelling, acute pain, and a high risk of infection.
Foot Pain and Altered Gait
A long toenail that constantly bumps up against the inside of your shoe can cause a subtle yet persistent ache in your toes. Over time, this discomfort might cause you to subconsciously alter your gait to avoid the pressure.
This small change in the way you walk can throw off your natural balance and put abnormal stress on your ankles, knees, and hips.
Nail Trauma
A longer toenail is simply more prone to trauma. Whether it’s an accidental stub of your toe or the repetitive impact of running in shoes that are too tight in the toe box, long nails are prone to tearing away from their nail beds.
The pressure from a sudden impact can also cause bleeding underneath the nail, which will result in a subungual hematoma (aka a black or dark purple toenail) that can be incredibly painful. In severe cases, the entire nail may be lost.
Fungal Infections
You know how they say never to chew on your fingernails? The same concept of bacteria buildup applies here.
Long, untrimmed nails create a dark, moist space underneath the nail bed that is a perfect breeding ground for fungi and bacteria. It becomes harder to clean underneath the nail, and debris, sweat, and dirt can get trapped, which will make you more susceptible to toenail fungus. The infection can cause the nail to thicken, discolor, become brittle, and make it even more difficult to trim.
Increased Risk for Diabetics and Seniors
If you have diabetes or are a senior with poor circulation, the dangers of long toenails are amplified. An ingrown toenail or a simple cut from a nail trauma can quickly escalate into a severe, non-healing infection.
Due to compromised circulation and sensation, these minor issues can progress unnoticed until they become serious health threats.
For advice related to any podiatric concerns you’re facing, the expert team at Syracuse Podiatry is here to help guide you. Contact us today so Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, and Dr. Nicholas Cronin can elevate your foot health and help your feet feel their best.