Your toenails might not get much attention until there’s a problem, but they can be important indicators of your overall health. While many nail issues are minor and can be managed at home, others can signal an underlying condition that requires professional medical care. Ignoring persistent nail problems can lead to more significant pain, infection, and long-term damage, not to mention emotional effects that damage your confidence. It can be tricky to know when a nail issue is just a cosmetic concern versus a genuine medical problem.
At Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists, we see patients every day who have waited too long to address a nail problem, either because they’re embarrassed or because they weren't sure it was serious enough for a doctor's visit. We want to help you understand the difference. Knowing when to seek professional help is the first step toward getting effective treatment and ensuring your feet stay healthy and pain-free.
If you’ve noticed something off about your toenails, here are five key signs that it’s time to schedule an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist.
Sign 1: Discoloration That Isn't Improving
Healthy toenails should be pinkish-white and uniform in color. While temporary discoloration can happen from a minor injury (like dropping something on your foot) or from nail polish, persistent changes in color are a red flag.
If you notice your nail has turned yellow, white, brown, or even black, and it doesn't resolve on its own, it’s often a sign of a fungal infection (onychomycosis). Fungal infections are incredibly common and thrive in the warm, dark environment of your shoes. The fungus lives under and within the nail, which is why over-the-counter topical creams are often ineffective; they can't penetrate the nail plate to reach the source of the infection.
Left untreated, a fungal infection can cause the nail to become more discolored, thicken, and spread. In some cases, yellow or brown discoloration can also indicate other underlying health issues, including circulation problems and infections to which diabetics are more susceptible. A specialist can properly diagnose the cause and recommend effective treatments, such as oral medications or advancedlaser therapy that can target and eliminate the fungus if indicated.
Sign 2: Thick, Crumbly, or Brittle Nails
Changes in the texture and strength of your toenails are another significant warning sign. Healthy nails are smooth and resilient. If you find that your nails have become unusually thick, making them difficult to trim, or so brittle and crumbly that they break easily, it's time for an evaluation.
Like discoloration, these textural changes are a hallmark symptom of a toenail fungus. As the fungus grows, it can cause layers of debris to build up under the nail, leading to thickening. The infection also damages the nail's protein structure (keratin), causing it to become brittle and fall apart.
Attempting to manage this at home can be difficult and even risky. Trying to file down a very thick nail can cause trauma to the nail bed, and jagged, broken nails can create entry points for bacteria, leading to a secondary infection. A podiatrist can safely trim and debride the nail and provide a treatment plan to address the underlying fungus.
Sign 3: A Persistent, Unpleasant Odor
A foul odor coming from your toenail is never a normal sign. This is often an indicator that an infection, whether fungal or bacterial, has taken hold. Fungi and bacteria can create smelly byproducts as they grow and multiply under the nail. In other cases, an unpleasant smell can be a sign of a more advanced infection that has begun to cause the nail and surrounding tissue to decay.
This symptom is particularly concerning for individuals with diabetes, as it can signal the start of a diabetic foot ulcer forming adjacent to the nail or at the tip of the toe (at the end of the nail) where it’s difficult to see. If you notice a persistent odor that doesn't go away after washing your feet, it’s crucial to have it checked out immediately. A foot and ankle specialist can identify the source of the infection and start you on an appropriate treatment, which might include medicated soaks, antibiotics, or antifungal treatments.
Sign 4: Pain, Swelling, or Tenderness
Pain is your body's way of telling you something is wrong. If the area around your toenail is sore, swollen, red, or tender to the touch, it points to inflammation or infection. The most common cause of this is an ingrown toenail. This occurs when the edge of the nail begins to grow into the surrounding skin, creating a break in the skin that allows bacteria to enter.
Many people try to fix an ingrown toenail at home by digging at the nail, but this often makes the problem much worse and can lead to a serious infection. A specialist can perform a simple in-office procedure if indicated to safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail and provide relief. For those who suffer from recurring ingrown toenails, we can also perform a minor procedure to permanently prevent that edge from growing back.
Pain and swelling could also be symptoms of an infection under the nail plate or trauma to the nail bed. Don’t 'tough it out!' Let a professional take a look.
Sign 5: The Issue is Spreading
One of the most definitive signs that you need professional help is when a nail problem starts to spread. This can happen in two ways:
Spreading to other nails: Fungal infections can be contagious, especially in those who are immunocompromised. If you notice that the discoloration or thickening that started on one nail is now appearing on adjacent nails, it may mean the fungus is spreading.
Spreading to the skin: A fungal infection on the nail can easily spread to the surrounding skin, leading to athlete's foot (tinea pedis). This can cause the skin to become red, itchy, cracked, and scaly. Likewise, a bacterial infection around an ingrown toenail can spread, causing a condition called cellulitis, where the skin becomes red, swollen, and warm.
If you see any signs that your nail issue is spreading, it's a clear signal that the problem is active and requires medical intervention to contain it.
Find Expert Care for Healthy Nails in Greater Chicago
Your feet carry you through life, and healthy nails are an important part of that foundation. Don’t dismiss nail issues as a simple cosmetic problem. By paying attention to these five signs, you can catch problems early and get the care you need before they become more serious.
At Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists, our team has the expertise and advanced tools to diagnose and treat all types of nail conditions effectively. We are committed to helping you find relief and restoring your nails to a healthy state.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don't wait for them to get worse.Schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations. Let us help you get back on your feet with confidence.
