It’s natural to notice someone’s feet and skin, and if you’re embarrassed by your own feet, you’ll find yourself not being able to wear things you want to. But aside from just making you hide your feet away, some issues can pose more significant health risks if left unchecked. Fortunately, Shenandoah Podiatry's experienced Virginia podiatrists are here to help with toenail treatment, plantar warts, foot calculus, and much more.
Common Skin and Toenail Conditions Our Podiatrists Treat
Your feet are important. A problem with your feet can not only affect the rest of your body’s health; it can affect everyday life. We address many issues related to your foot’s skin and toenails, including:
- Ingrown toenails. If you have a toenail growing back into the skin, it’s not just unsightly; it’s a health risk. While this can happen due to a nail’s natural shape, it most commonly occurs due to improper trimming.
- Bunions. A small red bump that forms on the outside of the toe, bunions occur because of pressure on the toe joint—either from the way you walk or the shape of your foot.
- Fungal nails. Nail fungus, which makes your toenails brittle, yellow, and ragged, usually comes from direct contact with a person that has an infection or through a communal area like a pool or locker room. While many people think this is just a cosmetic issue, the bacteria can spread to your skin if left untreated.
- Toenail trauma. If you know anyone who runs regularly, you may hear stories about someone who ran so much their toenail fell off! While that can happen, the truth is toenail trauma can come about for any number of reasons—stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on your toe, wearing shoes that don’t fit properly, or trimming your nails too closely.
- Corns. These hardened layers of skin on your foot are caused by friction and pressure. Not only are they painful, but they can lead to something more severe like nerve damage.
- Foot Calluses. Similar to corns, calluses primarily develop as a result of friction. Foot calluses are often bigger, though, spreading out over a larger area. They also tend to have more of an irregular shape than a corn. If not treated, a callus may grow larger until it becomes infected.
- Plantar warts. When human papillomavirus (HPV) type 1 enters your skin through tiny cuts or weak spots, plantar warts can form. These growths can make walking painful, but they’re generally harmless. They usually go away on their own, but it can take several years. A doctor can easily remove them if they’re bothering you or for cosmetic reasons.
It’s essential not to ignore an issue and assume it will go away on its own. While several conditions on this list can be treated with over-the-counter remedies, it may be worth visiting a podiatrist if they persist or if you have a condition such as diabetes that causes wounds to heal slowly.
How Can a Roanoke Podiatrist Help Your Toenail, Nail Fungus and Skin Problems?
We know a visit to a doctor can be scary. That’s why we want to make it a different experience from the moment you walk in the door. Instead of a traditional “clinical” feel, we hope you instantly feel relaxed and at ease with our friendly staff.
Are you concerned about potential surgery? We understand. That’s always the last option for us, but what’s listed here can often be treated with a simple office visit.
Once we have your ideal treatment plan in place, we’ll use the latest technology and our extensive experience to start your recovery process as quickly as possible.
Let the Podiatrists at Shenandoah Podiatry Restore Your Feet to Their Natural Beauty
We want you to be confident in your feet. Whether your foot issue causes daily discomfort or simply causes you to be self-conscious, there’s no reason to live with the problem any longer than you have to. The friendly team at Shenandoah Podiatry can diagnose your situation and offer treatment options in an atmosphere that keeps you relaxed the whole time. Call us at 540-904-1458 to schedule an appointment or use our online contact form, and we’ll contact you.