Some people say that the eyes are the window to the soul, but your Houston podiatrist says that you get the true picture of your overall health from your toenails. And with Memorial Day weekend behind us, now's the perfect time to talk about getting healthy beach toenails!
But why, you may ask, is this the body part on which we're focusing? Well, not only can an unhealthy toenail lead to fungus, infection and generalized foot pain, your toenails can also show signs of a heart condition; diabetes; or kidney, lung or liver disease. 
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Beach Toenails
Now that you know how important healthy toenails are, let’s review the best way to keep them in tip-top condition. Proper maintenance is the key to toenail health; when you shower, carefully clean your feet, toes and toenails individually. Always trim your nails in a timely and careful fashion to avoid problems like ingrown toenails. Make sure to look at your toenails regularly and take note of any abnormalities in color or shape.
If you want to polish your nails so that they look fun and fresh at the beach, be picky about the products you use. Of course, you are welcome to try some of Summer 2025's trending nail polish shades. (These include Ocean Blue, Sunset Coral, and Butter Yellow, all of which would make for perfect beach toenails.) Just make sure the color you pick comes from a better-for-you brand such as Dr.'s Remedy nail care. These nail polishes don't have the toxic chemicals contained in most other brands. Even better? They are packed with ingredients that promote nail health. That way, you won't get yellow, discolored nails in between pedicures.
Now, when you do swap out your nail polish, or if you're giving those toenails a break, it's important to really examine them. Then, If you notice anything strange on or around your toenail, call our office immediately. Even if your toenail doesn’t hurt yet, any type of discoloration or abnormality could lead to foot pain or be a sign of more serious problems.
Don’t just shrug off a strange color or spot on your nail—if it’s black or blue, it could mean you’re bleeding underneath the nail. If you have a dark spot that doesn’t move as your nail grows, you may have an infection underneath the nail; surgery could be the best way to correct the problem.
Of course, surgery sounds scary. But let's examine what's really involved in toenail or foot surgery.
How Long Will I Be out of Commission After Foot or Nail Surgery?
When it comes to surgery on your toenails, your downtime will likely be limited: expect to be in a soft boot for several days, avoiding strenuous physical activity for up to a week. But what about when surgery is performed on your toes, feet or ankles?
The answer depends on the scope of your injury or surgery. Bones takes 6-8 weeks to heal. It's a physiological process and is just the way it is. Even at 8 weeks, the bone isn't fully healed. It is clinically healed well enough for you to start to return to normal walking and ultimately exercise. It really takes bone a full year to completely heal back to full strength. Yet so many people think that they'll be back to running three weeks after surgery. It is just not realistic!
When you come to our office with an injury, such as a sprained ankle or foot fracture, or we are discussing surgery, I will tell you the real estimate for recovery and healing. I will not tell you what you want to hear. That will only frustrate you when reality sets in and healing takes longer. My patients tell me that they appreciate knowing the actual timeframe, since it allows them to prepare properly for being out of commission. My surgical patients tell me that they know what to expect around every corner, because we covered it so thoroughly when we discussed it before surgery.
Of course, if you want to avoid surgery, proper foot and nail care is of utmost importance. The bottom line is that your toenails are more than just retainers for nail polish or pesky appendages that need to be trimmed all the time. They are an important part of your body deserving of care and attention; with that said, if you suspect you have a toenail infection or notice anything unusual about your toes, schedule an appointment at Tanglewood Foot Specialists to keep the ‘window of your body’ in healthy working order. Together, we'll get your beach toenails looking and feeling their best. That way, you can confidently walk through the rest of your summer without worrying about what lies beneath your nail.
