The Impact of Trauma on Your Toenail
Severe trauma or injury can cause your toenail to fall off or loosen. In most cases, stubbing your toenail or dropping a heavy object on the tip of your toenail can cause trauma or injury – often leading to blood beneath the nail.
The pressure from this bleeding could lead to the toenail getting separated from the nail bed. If the injury is serious, it is not uncommon for the entire nail to fall off completely.
If you suffer severe trauma which leads to bleeding, intense pain, and inflammation, consult with a professional foot and ankle specialist – it’s crucial to rule out bone injury or fracture as soon as possible.
Your Choice of Footwear
Wrong choice of footwear is another common cause for toenails falling off. Ill-fitting or tight shoes can lead to nail trauma. You literally punish your feet when you wear ill-fitting shoes for long hours at work or when pursuing athletic activities.
When your nail suffers trauma, especially repeated trauma, it can lead to bleeding which causes a dark reddish, purplish or black discoloration. As mentioned above, the pressure from this bleeding can cause the nail to loosen.
Also, if your toenails continuously rub against hard or ill-fitting footwear, you might not experience bleeding, but over time the nail can still become loose.
Treatment for Loosened Toenails
If you notice any of the above symptoms, resulting in your nail falling off or becoming separated from the nailbed – work with a foot and ankle specialist.
You might also need to see a dermatologist or another medical professional if a health condition such as hyperthyroidism or anemia is the root cause behind your loosening nails. A detailed analysis is necessary to treat the condition.
If a fungal infection is causing your toenail to loosen, then your doctor might recommend cutting portions of the nail and the use of anti-fungal medication to treat the infection.
Bacterial infections will require a different treatment plan since the infection tends to progress much faster and can be more severe with a more complex range of symptoms.
Post treatment, your nail will grow – however, nail growth is often impacted, and you might notice the nail has a thicker or rougher texture.
Do You Or A Family Member Need The Help Of An Experienced Podiatrist In The Caldwell Or Meridian, Idaho Area?
If you're seeking the help of an experienced podiatrist you owe it to yourself to speak with our doctors as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 208.855.5955 to schedule your appointment. We service all areas surrounding Meridian, Idaho as well as all areas in the Caldwell, Idaho area. We look forward to helping you!