Toe problems are a common complaint seen at Houston Foot Specialists. Painful, ingrown toenails are one issue that brings many people into Dr. Jeff Bowman’s Houston, TX podiatric office. What seems to be a simple case of an ingrown toenail could actually be something much more serious.
Subungual Exotosis is a toe problem that is often mistaken as an ingrown toenail at first glance. An x-ray will expose the true source of pain. This is a condition where a bone spur develops under the toenail. It is often explained as a benign growth from bone and cartilage, called an osteochondroma. In most cases, it occurs due to trauma to the toe although a hereditary abnormality or chronic infection could cause it as well.
Typically, a small hard bump that comes to a point will form under the nail and start growing upward. The pressure from the expanding exotosis on the nail can make walking very painful due to shoe pressure. Eventually the nail can become thin and brittle and the bone spur can push the nail completely off. This leaves tissues exposed and puts the toe at risk for infection. Subungual exotosis usually develops during adolescence due to growing bone and is more common in women who consistently wear ill-fitting shoes. It can develop gradually over weeks or months but can also appear quickly after an injury.
If you have any of the described symptoms, contact Dr. Bowman as soon as possible. Unfortunately, surgery is the most common way to fully treat this painful condition but it is effective and Dr. Bowman is a trusted podiatrist with years of experience treating feet. Call our office today (713) 467-8886 or visit our website for more information at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.
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