Nail Disorders

Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico

Podiatrists & Foot and Ankle Surgeons located in Albuquerque, NM, Rio Rancho, NM, South Valley, NM, Edgewood, NM & Grants, NM

The podiatry team at Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico offers customized treatment plans for nail disorders, like ingrown toenails and toenail fungus. At their offices in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, South Valley, Edgewood, and Grants, New Mexico, the physicians offer diagnostic evaluations and treatments to relieve discomfort and protect the long-term health of your nails. To schedule a consultation for nail disorders, call the office nearest you or book an appointment through the online booking system.

Nail Disorders Q & A

What are nail disorders?

The team at Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico treats these and other common nail disorders:

Toenail fungus

Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) can develop when your socks and shoes remain moist. Moisture allows fungi to grow quickly and can enter your foot through a cut or open wound. The fungi irritate your toes and can ultimately cause your toenail to separate from your foot.

Ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of your toenail grows into, instead of over, the surrounding skin. Without treatment, an ingrown toenail can lead to a painful infection and require the removal of your toenail.

What are the symptoms of a nail disorder?

If you have toenail fungus, your toenails grow thicker than usual and may appear yellow, green, or black. The fungus can also cause your nails to become brittle and easy to break.

When you have an ingrown toenail, you may experience pain in the affected toe. If an infection is present, the skin around your nail may become red and warm to the touch.

It’s important to seek treatment for either type of nail disorder as soon as possible to prevent a worsening of your condition.

How are nail disorders treated?

The experts at Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico can confirm a nail disorder during a physical exam of your toes and nails. They customize a treatment plan to your needs based on the type of disorder you have and the severity of your symptoms. For example:

Ingrown toenail treatment

Treating an ingrown toenail typically involves softening the nail by soaking it in warm water and trimming away the nail before it can break the skin. If you have an infection, your physician prescribes an antibiotic to clear it and may recommend a laser or outpatient surgical procedure to remove all or part of your nail.

Toenail fungus treatment

If you have toenail fungus, your Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico doctor provides topical medications that you apply over the nail. If your infection is severe, you may also need an oral medication.

If you have chronic toenail fungus, you may need a procedure to remove the infected part of your nail.

The Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico team also provides aftercare services to prevent additional nail disorders. They can help you trim your nails properly and recommend other foot hygiene practices to keep your feet and nails clean and dry.

If you have signs of a nail disorder, don’t delay a diagnostic evaluation. You can call the Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico office nearest you or request a consultation online today.