Toenail Problems

Toenail problems extend beyond just fungus. There are an array of nail diseases and disorders that can cause changes in the color, shape, and/or texture of the nail. These changes may be directly related to an issue with your toenail or they can be an indicator of an underlying health problem. You should examine your toenails often, and discuss any changes with your physician. Here are a couple of things to pay close attention to when checking out your toenails:

Has the color changed?

• Do your nails seem to be getting thicker?
• Are your nails splitting often?
• Are your nails becoming brittle?

Here are a couple reasons your nail color can change:

• Green nails can indicate a bacterial or fungal infection.
• Pale white nails can be a sign of anemia or a zinc deficiency.
• White specs on the nail can be from minor injuries to the nail bed.
• Yellow nails can be the result of a respiratory condition.

Here are a couple reasons your nail texture and shape can change:

• Brittle nails that can split vertically and peel can be hereditary or due to using strong solvents, such as cleaning solutions.
• Over-thickening of the nail can be due to an internal disorder.
• Horizontal lines on the nail can be due to any interruption in the protein formation of the nail plate, such as trauma, illness or malnutrition.
• Concave nails with raised ridges can be due to iron deficiency.

It is best to have any unexplained changes in your nails examined by a physician.

Image by andy_5322. Spread Toes 1. (2006). Flickr.

What do you know about Running Injuries?

1. Plantar Fasciitis is:

A. One of the most common causes of heel pain

B. Inflammation in the bottom of the foot

C. A sharp, tight, painful sensation at the base of the heel

D. All of the above

2. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon is known as:

A. Achilles rupture

B. Achilles tendinitis

3. Pain along the shin bone is referred to as:

A. Shin splints

B. Band syndrome

C. Morton’s neuroma

4. True or False? If your foot is too stiff to bear the impact of running, a stress fracture could result.

5. True or False? If your foot is too unstable to land in a controlled manner, you could develop runner's knee.

6. This small crack in the bone causes pain and discomfort, and typically affects runners in the shin and feet.

A. Broken bone

B. Stress Fracture

C. Shin splint

7. A small tear in your muscle is known as muscle strain. Runners may feel a popping sensation when this occurs. The best treatment for this is:

A. Continuing to exercise

B. Stretching the muscle

C. Rest, ice, compression and elevation

8. Runners will sometimes twist or roll their foot inward. Accidental stretching or tearing of the ligaments around the ankle is knows as:

A. An ankle fracture

B. An ankle sprain

C. An ankle strain

Please see answers in comments below.

Image by Veronique Debord-Lazaro. What? (2010). Flickr.

Achilles Tendon Problems

Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy begins with small tears in the tendon. These can cause no symptoms, mild pain, or even severe pain. As tearing continues, tendon pain may become constant and nodules may form, thickening the tendon.

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Achilles tendon rupture occurs when a sudden, forceful motion stresses the calf muscle. This can happen during physical activity. If not treated, the rupture will cause weakness when you walk.

Achilles Paratenonitis

Achilles paratenonitis is inflammation of the covering of the Achilles tendon. It is caused by overuse, repetative movements or poorly fitting shoes. You can experience tenderness, pain and swelling.

Retrocalcaneal Bursitis 

Retrocalcaneal bursitis is inflammation of the fluid filled sac between the back of the heel bone and the Achilles tendon. This develops gradually, most often from the pressure of the back of a shoe. It can cause pain, tenderness and swelling on the back of the foot.

If you suspect any problems involving your Achilles tendon, be sure to be examined by a physician. 

Image by ouchcharley. Poised. (2009). Flickr.

Hammertoes

Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or both joints of the toe abnormally bends. It occurs from an imbalance between the muscles and ligaments around toe joint, and causes your toe to curl like a claw. The condition can be present at birth, or may develop over time due to poorly fitting shoes.

What are the two types of hammer toes?

Flexible hammertoes: If the toe can still move at the joint. At this point, hammertoes are more easily treated, typically by several different options.

Rigid hammertoes: If the toe can’t be moved. This happens when the tendons in the toe become rigid and press the joint out of alignment. At this point, surgery may be needed.

Because hammertoes can progressively worsen over time, and they do not get better without some kind of treatment, see your doctor early on. Symptoms can often be treated by nonsurgical measures. Some of these include padding your corns and calluses, changing your shoes, wearing orthotic devices, corticosteroid injections, and splints. 

Image by Debra Roby. Toe Pre-surgery. (2007). Flickr.