People often think of foot doctors as treating major, painful conditions such as heel spurs and diabetic foot ulcers. Indeed, this is a big part of their job. However, foot doctors do also treat conditions of the toenails. Many people do not seek care for their toenail problems, sometimes because they do not know that they can or should. But rest assured — if you have any of these toenail problems, you can see a foot doctor for care.

Ingrown Toenails

Do you have one or more toenails that seem to grow in a way that makes them poke into the skin on either side of your nail? Maybe the skin around your nail gets red and sore sometimes. Perhaps you've even had some infections that make this area hot and full of puss. Chances are, you have ingrown toenails. A foot doctor can trim them in a way that alleviates your pain in the short-term, and also helps redirect the nail growth pattern to prevent more ingrown nails in the future.

Yellow, Thickening Nails

If you ever notice that your nails are starting to look thicker, yellow in color, and perhaps even crumbly, you probably have toenail fungus. This is caused by a similar fungal species to the one that causes athlete's foot. It moves right into your nail tissue, feeding on it and reproducing within it, which depletes the nutrients from your nails and gives them that yellow look. Nail fungus is really hard to treat on your own, and over-the-counter antifungal topicals don't always work too well.

A foot doctor can prescribe a stronger cream or even an oral antifungal. In the most serious of cases, they may trim away the infected nail and treat the nail bed so you can grow a healthier nail back.

Flaky, Thin Nails

If your toenails are really flaky and thin, and they tend to split or chip away a lot, this is something to see your foot doctor about. There are a few possible causes including nutrient deficiencies, psoriasis, and even less-common fungal infections. Your foot doctor can more closely examine your nails, perhaps do some bloodwork, and discuss your health history to arrive at a diagnosis. Once you know the cause of your flaky, thin nails, you and your foot doctor can do something about them.

If you are struggling with any of the nail issues above, see a foot doctor. Relief is just around the corner.