Nail Disorders — Diagnosis & Treatment by Foot Specialists

Nail problems can be more than cosmetic — they often signal deeper structural or mechanical issues. Whether it’s thickening, discoloration, pain at the nail or toe tip, or recurrent infections, you deserve specialists who see these issues every day.
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Common Causes of Nail Disorders

  • Fungal infections (onychomycosis)
  • Trauma or repeated microtrauma to the nail
  • Ingrown nails
  • Nail deformities (shape abnormalities)
  • Subungual exostosis — a bony growth under the nail that can push the nail upward, cause pain, infection, or deformity
  • Toe deformities (e.g. bunions, hammertoes, claw toes) — these create extra pressure on the nails, increasing risk for thickening, ingrowth, or damage
If the problem keeps recurring, the cause is often mechanical, structural, or anatomical — not just the nail itself.

How We Evaluate Nail Disorders

  • Detailed history: onset, associated symptoms, prior treatments
  • Physical exam including toe alignment and pressure zones
  • X-ray imaging when necessary — especially helpful to detect subungual exostosis or bone abnormalities
  • Nail sampling or culture in infection cases

Treatment Options

We tailor therapy based on the cause, severity, and your overall foot health:
  • Nail debridement & trimming
  • Topical or prescription treatments for fungal or bacterial infections
  • Partial or complete nail removal (if needed)
  • Chemical matrixectomy for permanent correction of recurring ingrown portions
  • Correction or relief of mechanical pressure (via padding, offloading, or adjusting toe deformities)
  • Correction of structural causes — e.g. treating toe deformities so they no longer press on or injure adjacent nails
  • Surgical removal of subungual exostosis (if that’s the culprit)
We aim to treat the nail disorder and also the root cause — so it doesn’t come back.

When to See a Specialist

Seek evaluation when:
  • Nail pain or pressure persists
  • Changes in color, thickness, or shape worsen
  • You notice deformities in the toes
  • Nail lifts, cracks, or shows signs of infection
  • Over-the-counter or home remedies fail
Delaying treatment may lead to more complex issues, prolonged healing, or irreversible damage.

Get Expert Nail Care Today

At About Feet Podiatry Center, we’ll:
  1. Diagnose the root cause behind your nail problem
  2. Present options — from topical care to in-office procedures
  3. Treat the nail and correct the mechanics around it
  4. Help prevent recurrence
Let the foot specialists solve your nail problem permanently — not just mask the symptom.
📞 Call (610) 524-3338

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