Why Proper Nail Hygiene is Vital for Foot Health

June 7 2025

Healthy toenails = happy feet!

As a podiatrist, I can’t stress enough how regular nail care helps prevent pain, infections, and serious complications – especially for diabetics! #Podiatry #NailCare #HealthyFeet #Wellness #FFLC

Karan Malani
Kevin Lam, DPM, FACFAS

OVERVIEW:

• Function and Fragility of Toenails
• Importance of Nail Care
• Professional vs Salon
• Tips for At-Home Care
• When to See a Podiatrist

When we think about foot health, we often focus on arch support, proper footwear, or managing conditions like bunions or plantar fasciitis. But one essential aspect of foot care that’s often overlooked is nail care. As a podiatrist, I’ve seen firsthand how neglecting toenails can lead to pain, infection, and serious complications – especially in patients with diabetes or circulation issues. Nail care isn’t just cosmetic; it’s a crucial part of overall foot health.

The Function and Fragility of Toenails

Toenails serve a protective function for the tips of our toes, shielding them from trauma and pressure. But unlike fingernails, which are regularly visible and easier to manage, toenails are often tucked away in shoes and socks, where they can be forgotten or neglected. Over time, poor nail hygiene can cause problems ranging from discomfort to serious medical issues.

Common problems I see in the clinic include thickened nails, fungal infections (onychomycosis), ingrown toenails, trauma-related nail deformities, and even signs of systemic conditions like psoriasis or melanoma appearing in or around the nail bed.

Why Regular Nail Care is Important

1. Prevention of Fungal Infections

Fungal toenail infections are more than a cosmetic nuisance. They can cause the nail to thicken, become discolored, brittle, and even painful. In advanced cases, the nail can separate from the nail bed. Fungal infections often spread from athlete’s foot or communal environments like locker rooms and public showers. Good hygiene, regular nail trimming, and keeping feet dry can significantly reduce the risk.

2. Avoiding Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges or corners of the nail grow into the skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition condition is common among teenagers, athletes, and older adults. In many cases, improper nail trimming – especially cutting the nails too short or rounding the corners – is the main culprit. Patients should be taught to cut toenails straight across and not too short, and to avoid digging into the corners.

3. Reducing the Risk of Nail Trauma.

Long or thickened nails are more likely to bump against shoes and suffer trauma, especially during activities like running, hiking, or even regular walking in tight footwear. Trauma can lead to bruising under the nail (subungual hematoma), nail loss, or increased susceptibility to infection. Keeping toenails trimmed to the edge of the toe and smooth can help prevent this.

4. Catching Early Signs of Other Health Conditions

Sometimes, nail changes are indicators of underlying health issues. For instance, a dark streak under the nail may signal melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Pitting or crumbling of the nail might suggest psoriasis. Clubbing of the toes can be associated with lung or heart disease. As podiatrists, we examine nails not just for local problems but for signs of systemic health concerns.

5. Critical Care for Diabetic and At-Risk Patients

Nail care becomes even more important for patients with diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation. These individuals may not feel a cut or injury around the nail, leading to unnoticed infections or ulcers. What starts as a simple ingrown nail or fungal infection can progress to a limb-threatening condition. For these patients, I recommend regular podiatric care for nail trimming and monitoring to avoid complications.

Professional Nail Care VS Salon Visits

Many patients ask whether it’s safe to get pedicures at nail salons. The answer depends on the cleanliness of the facility and the individual’s health status. While many salons follow proper disinfection protocols, there’s still a risk – especially for immunocompromised individuals – of bacterial or fungal infections if tools aren’t properly sterilized or if skin is accidentally cut.

In our office, we offer medical nail care, which means nails are trimmed, shaped, and evaluated in a sterile, clinical environment. This is especially important for seniors, diabetics, or those with difficulty reaching or seeing their feet. Unlike cosmetic services, podiatric nail care focuses on health and safety, not aesthetics.

Tips for At-Home Nail Care

Here are some basic guidelines I share with my patients:

• Cut toenails straight across and avoid digging into corners.
• Use clean, disinfected tools every time.
• Keep nails dry and clean to prevent fungal growth.
• Moisturize your feet, but avoid ptting lotion between the toes.
• Wear shoes that fit properly and provide room in the toe box.
• Inspect your feet regularly, especially if you have diabetes or circulation problems.

When to See a Podiatrist

If you notice any of the following, it’s time to seek professional care:

Thick, discolored, or crumbling nails
Pain or swelling around the nail
Recurrent ingrown nails
Nail trauma or injury
Difficulty trimming your nails due to vision or mobility issues

Nail problems won’t always go away on their own. The sooner they are treated, the better the outcome.

Treating Foot Injuries Promptly

In podiatry, we take a comprehensive approach to foot care – and nail health is an integral part of that. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition like diabetes or simply want to avoid foot pain and infection, regular nail care should be a non-negotiable part of your self-care routine.

Your toenails may seem like a small detail, but they can have a big impact on your overall health and comfort. Don’t ignore them – treat them with the care they deserve. And when in doubt, schedule a visit with your podiatrist. We’re here to help keep your feet – and your nails – healthy and pain-free.

If you are experiencing issues with your toenails, contact Dr. Malani’s office at (239) 430-3558 (FOOT) or visit www.NaplesPodiatrist.com to schedule an examination.

Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies.

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