Spotting Nail Bed Injuries

Nail bed injuries are a common reason for patients to visit the podiatrist’s office. Such injuries are typically painful and can lead to complications including infection. It’s important that treatment begin as soon as possible. When you know the causes and symptoms of nail bed injuries, you’ll be able to spot one and to get help quickly.

Like your fingernails, your toenails are made up three parts:

• The nail plate is the hard part of the nail that you think of when you think “toenail.”

• The nail matrix is at the base of the nail. It’s where new growth originates.

• The nail bed is the soft tissue that lies below the nail. Its health is essential for proper growth of the nail.

Nail bed injuries are usually caused by dropping something on your foot, compressing the nail bed between the hard nail above and the bone below. Other causes include car accidents and crush injuries.

Symptoms vary from person to person but often involve pain and swelling. Bleeding and bruising under the nail are possible. You may damage the nail, or it may even be torn off completely. You might injure the skin adjacent to the nail, or even break the bone beneath it.

If you suspect that you have damaged your nail bed, do not tug at or remove the nail. Apply pressure to stop and bleeding and ice to help with swelling and bruising. Call your podiatrist right away. She or he will want to examine your feet as soon as possible.

Are you concerned about a nail bed injury or anything else related to the health and well-being of your feet, ankles, or lower legs?

 Contact Podiatry Group of Annapolis and let us help with all your foot and ankle needs. Dr. James Mckee and Dr. Adam Weaver are experienced and dedicated podiatrists who provide high-quality individualized care. Call us today at 410-224-4448 or visit us online to make an appointment at our conveniently located Annapolis office.