Question
Some years ago a very heavy person stepped on my toe on the train.  The nail (my left foot big toe) has now turned yellow and recently the outer side of the toe is numb.  What can I do about this problem???
Thanking you
Velma  

Answer
Hi Velma,

The color of the nail may be due to a fungal infection.  With this infection comes thickening of the nail and excessive pressure on the toe from the shoe.  This may lead to toe numbness.  I would see a podiatrist and have the nail treated.  Also check your shoe to make sure it is not too tight across the toe that is numb.

There will be a new FDA approved laser treatment for fungal nails (onychomycosis) called the Noveon laser by Nomir Medical.  This may be an option for you.  There is another laser called the Pinpointe but it is not FDA approved for fungal nails in the US.

Good Luck.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com
http://www.tampacryosurgery.com
http://katzpodiatristtampa.blogspot.com
http://painfoot.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/TampaPodiatrist
http://www.facebook.com/markatz?ref=name#/profile.php?id=100000260088035&ref=nam...

DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.