Toenail loss can occur after trauma, fungal infection, or medical removal, and regrowth typically follows a slow, staged process. The new nail begins forming beneath the skin at the nail root. In the early stage, a protective layer of skin covers the exposed nail bed while new keratin cells begin pushing forward. As these hardened cells form the visible nail, a thin, soft nail plate appears within a few months. Over time, this nail thickens and extends, gradually resembling the original toenail. The entire process may take up to 18 months, depending on the cause. For instance, regrowth may be slower after severe trauma or chronic infection. If the nail matrix is damaged, the new nail may have an irregular shape or texture. A podiatrist can evaluate the nail bed, monitor the regrowth progress, and recommend treatment if complications arise. If you have endured the loss of a toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment plan.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Kentston Cripe, DPM of Roseville Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Roseville, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Fungal toenail infections are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, damp environments. These fungi often enter through small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin. Toenails are more frequently affected than fingernails, due to prolonged exposure to enclosed footwear. Symptoms of fungal toenails include thickening, yellow or white streaks, brittle texture, a distorted nail shape, or separation from the nail bed. Risk factors include diabetes, poor circulation, increased age, and frequent exposure to public pool areas. Nail injuries, a weakened immune system, and prolonged moisture around the toes are other risk factors. Wearing tight, enclosed shoes for extended periods may also encourage fungal growth. Diagnosis of the type of fungus requires lab testing or microscopic examination. Common types of toenail infections include distal subungual, white superficial, and proximal subungual, each affecting the nail differently. If you have developed a toenail infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and proper treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact Kentston Cripe, DPM of Roseville Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Roseville, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

When foot pain does not improve with conservative care, surgery may be considered to restore comfort and function. For those with arthritis, procedures may involve removing damaged tissue, fusing joints to limit painful motion, or replacing the joint entirely. Hammertoe correction often includes straightening the toe by releasing tight tendons or removing part of the bone to improve alignment. In more severe cases, small implants or joint fusion may be used. Heel-related surgeries can address chronic conditions such as heel spurs or plantar fasciitis by removing bony growths or releasing tight tissue that causes strain. Each procedure is selected based on the individual’s condition, level of discomfort, and response to non-surgical treatments. Recovery times and outcomes vary, but many patients experience significant improvement in movement and pain relief. If foot pain from conditions such as arthritis, deformity, or chronic heel issues is interfering with your daily life, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Kentston Cripe, DPM of Roseville Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Roseville, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.