As sufferers well know, Black Toenails can be painful and unsightly, and their causes, symptoms and treatment are often subject to much confusion. Here is some practical advice that will assist you in appropriate management.
*Causes
Black Toenails (otherwise known as subungual hematoma) are caused by an injury to the toenail. Frequent examples are stubbing the toe against a hard object or alternatively dropping something heavy on it. Athletes, particularly runners are prone to this sort of injury,. In particular, this sort of toenail injury can occur if their shoes are too short or by running downhill, thus forcing the toes to repeatedly jam up against the inside of the shoe.
*Symptoms
The black colour is actually caused by blood pooling under the injured nail, pressure will subsequently ensue and pain is frequently experienced. However, often Black toenails are not painful, merely unsightly.
*Treatment
So what can be done - well, foot specialists recommend that a procedure that you can perform at home to release the pooled blood and therefore relieve the pressure under the toenail. This necessitates both a steady hand and nerve!
The toenail can usually be saved if the blood is drained. First, clean the foot thoroughly, dry and swab the affected toe with alcohol. Next, heat the end of a thoroughly cleaned needle, with a match until it is red hot. Now, slowly and gently pierce your toenail. The heat from the sharp object melts the nail and allows the blood to flow out from beneath it. Remember also to both bath and disinfect the foot afterwards.
Never perform this type of self-treatment if you have circulatory problems or are diabetic. Equally, if squeamish or just unsure, then see a doctor for expert intervention.
*Prevention
In the end prevention is always better than cure so try not to drop things on your toes or run into obstacles! Remember also to buy proper fitting shoes. This should include room to wiggle your toes and allows a half inch of space between your toes and the end of your shoes.
Strangely, there is some anecdotal evidence that the incidence of black toenails, may increase dramatically around thanksgiving and Easter holiday times! These are the two holidays when people remove 12-18 pound ( 5-8 kilogram ) frozen turkeys from the freezer, and drop them squarely on their big toe! So, take care when unloading the turkey if you want to avoid unsightly and painful black toenails!
Author Resource:-
Black Toenails as any sufferer will confirm can be unsightly and painful. To find out what causes them and how best to treat them, check out the free information, advice and resources available at:
http://www.sorefeetsolved.com
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