TOENAIL CARE
Mount Eliza & Mornington Peninsula Area
As we take a closer look at our feet, we often overlook a vital aspect of our overall health: our toenails. But what happens when they become a source of pain and discomfort?
Our toenail services provide a solution, offering a range of treatments and assessments to tackle issues like ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and painful nails.
Professional toenail services are more than just a cosmetic indulgence.
While most of us manage our own
So, what are the hidden benefits of professional
Nail Care Services AT sTEP aHEAD pODIATRY:
Painful Nail Assessment
When evaluating a painful nail, our podiatrists will typically start with a thorough visual examination to spot any signs of infection or inflammation.
We look closely at the nail and surrounding skin, checking for redness, swelling, or pus which may indicate an underlying issue. If we suspect an ingrown toenail, we’ll gently probe the area to assess the pain’s severity and the nail’s impact on surrounding tissues.
During our assessment, we may also perform a biomechanical assessment to test your range of motion and strength within joints Gait and Footwear Analysis to identify any contributing factors to the painful nail. Additionally, we may assess the skin of the foot for conditions to verify that the affected area is not caused from an existing foot condition or skin care issue.
During our assessment of the pain in your nail, we may also review your medical history in relation to any previous podiatry services you may have received. It’s vital to understand any previous toenail problems or conditions like diabetes that could adversely affect general foot health.
This thorough approach helps us pinpoint the cause and decide on the best course for toenail care.
Whether it’s advising on proper nail trimming techniques or antifungal medication options, our goal is to alleviate pain and restore normal function to the affected toe.
With the right care, we can manage your symptoms effectively and prevent future complications related to foot conditions.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment
In podiatry, treating ingrown toenails is one of the most common treatments we practice for foot care.
Trimming our toenails incorrectly or wearing shoes that are too tight can lead to ingrown toenails, a painful and potentially inflammatory condition.
At our podiatry clinic, we welcome patients of all ages to address such foot and lower limb issues, ensuring relief from comprehensive foot care.
If left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected, making it essential to seek professional help from a podiatrist.
Our podiatrist will assess the severity of the condition and recommend the best course of action to treat ingrown toenails.
This may involve cutting the nail, prescribing antibiotics, or in severe cases, performing a minor surgical procedure to remove the ingrown portion of the nail.
Proper toenail care is key to preventing ingrown toenails, and we should prioritise good foot hygiene and wear comfortable shoes to reduce the risk of this condition.
What is an ingrown toenail?
Most people will experience an ingrown toenail at some point in their lives. It’s evident that ingrown toenails can be a real pain, but what exactly are they?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation and discomfort. This can lead to symptoms of an ingrown toenail such as redness, swelling, and tenderness around the affected toe, which are signs of potential foot problems. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected around the toenail, complicating treatment options.
We’ve learned that proper toenail care is key to preventing ingrown nails. This includes trimming our toenails correctly, wearing comfortable shoes, and maintaining good foot hygiene.
If you do experience symptoms, seeking medical attention is vital to receive effective ingrown toenail treatment. This may involve nail trimming, antibiotics, or in severe cases, surgical intervention.
By taking proactive steps in our toenail care and learning how to cut your toenails properly, we can reduce the risk of ingrown toenails and avoid the discomfort that comes with them.
Make a booking to see our podiatrist today for nail pain relief
Fungal Infection
Fungal infections can creep into our lives through something as simple as walking barefoot in public areas or sharing personal care items, and before it dawns on us, our toenails are thickening, crumbling, and discoloring.
We may not even notice it at first, but as the toenail infection takes hold, our nails can become, brittle, split, or cracked, indicating the need to look after our toenails. If left untreated, fungal infections can spread to other nails and even other parts of our bodies.
We’re more susceptible to these infections if we’ve weakened immune systems, diabetes, or circulatory problems.
Fungal infections like athletes’ foot can quickly spread and take hold of the skin, making it crucial to practice good foot hygiene and wear well-ventilated shoes.
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common nail condition that can be caused by fungal infections and may lead to serious foot problems.
It’s vital to seek professional help if you suspect you have a fungal infection, as treatment may require topical medications or other measures to properly treat the fungal condition on your toenail and protect the nail bed.
Toenail Management
We take our toenails for granted until they start causing us pain and discomfort, often leading us to seek podiatry services. To effectively manage toenail health, it’s essential to recognise and address underlying conditions that can adversely affect them.
At our podiatry clinic, we emphasise the importance of regular toenail care, which is a cornerstone of preventing issues like ingrown toenails and fungal nail infections. You can reduce the risk of ingrown toenails by trimming your toenails correctly, keeping your feet clean and dry, and wearing properly fitting shoes (which we can also help advise you on).
We’ve found that many of our visitors aren’t aware that sharing nail care tools can lead to the spread of fungal infections. It’s pivotal, consequently, to use personal, sanitised equipment for toenail management.
Regular trimming of your toenails can also reduce the risk of toenail fungus and breaks, which is especially vital for diabetic patients.
Scheduling visits to our clinic allows us to monitor the health of your toenails and catch early signs of problems. This proactive approach not only guarantees the ideal health of your toenails but also contributes to your overall foot health.
Step Ahead Podiatric Clinic
We take pride in offering extensive podiatric nail care services and cater to a wide range of foot & lower limb-related issues. Whether it’s treating trauma and damage to the nail or common conditions such as ingrown and infected toenails, you’re in good hands.
By emphasising proper hygiene practices and regular foot inspections, we help you maintain healthy, happy feet that will keep you going for years to come.
If you think that you may have any of these conditions (or another) and want some friendly expert advice and treatment, please feel free to contact us at Step Ahead Podiatry.
Step Ahead Podiatry is located in Mount Eliza, along the Mornington Peninsula of Victoria.
We are ready to take your enquiries for a consultation on 03 9708 8626 or you can find our contact form at our Contact Us page if you prefer written communication.
Book an Appointment
Book an appointment below or give us a call or email through the contact us page.