What Is Your Nail Telling You About Your Health?
Your toenails do more than just hold polish—they can be early indicators of underlying health issues. From discoloration to texture changes, nails often reflect what’s happening inside your body. At Align Foot & Ankle, we treat both the cosmetic and medical concerns behind nail changes with an eye for total body health.
Common Nail Changes—and What They May Mean
1. Thickened or Yellow Toenails
Often blamed on fungal infections, but can also result from repetitive trauma (tight shoes, running) or poor circulation.
Treatment: KeryFlex nail restoration, topical antifungals, Class IV Remy laser, and Tolcylen care kits.
2. Brittle, Crumbly Nails
May be a sign of nutritional deficiencies, particularly biotin, zinc, or keratin-related imbalances.
What we offer: EB-L1, a medical-grade supplement that supports healthy nail growth and reduces brittleness.
3. Dark Streaks or Spots
Could be caused by trauma—but persistent dark streaks that don’t grow out should be evaluated. In rare cases, they may be a sign of melanoma.
4. Pitted or Ridged Nails
Horizontal ridges (Beau’s lines) can appear after illness or periods of stress. Vertical ridges are more common with aging, but excessive ridging can signal iron or B-vitamin deficiencies.
5. White Spots or Lines
Not always from calcium deficiency! These spots are more often due to minor injuries to the nail matrix or zinc deficiency.
What We Look For During Nail Evaluations
Dr. Ho-Ellsworth performs a full clinical exam, looking at:
- Nail color, shape, and thickness
- Skin condition around the nails
- Circulation and nerve function
- Potential fungal or bacterial infections
When needed, we’ll use tools like a nail biopsy, microscopy, or culture testing to get a definitive answer.
When to Get Nail Changes Checked Out
- You’ve had the same nail discoloration or thickness for months
- The nail is painful, detaching, or deforming
- You notice other symptoms like tingling, numbness, or slow healing
Aesthetic + Functional Solutions at Align
At Align Foot & Ankle, we know nail problems are more than skin deep. They can affect your confidence, your comfort, and sometimes even reflect internal health issues. That’s why we offer solutions that treat both the appearance of the nail and the underlying cause.
Here’s how we approach nail care:
- KeryFlex Nail Restoration
KeryFlex creates a natural-looking, flexible nail that bonds to your existing nail and allows healthy growth underneath. It’s ideal for nails damaged by fungus or trauma, and it restores both function and appearance while your nail heals. - Onyfix Ingrown Nail Correction
Onyfix is a non-surgical system that works like braces for your toenails. A small, hardened band is applied to the nail to gently guide it back into a healthier, straighter position over time — no cutting, no injections, and no downtime. - Class IV Remy Laser Therapy
This powerful laser targets fungal infections beneath the nail without the need for oral medications. The dual-wavelength light penetrates through the nail plate, reduces fungal load, and supports healthy regrowth — all in a quick, pain-free session. - EB-L1 Nail Health Supplement
This medical-grade supplement supports the metabolic processes behind nail growth. It’s formulated to reduce brittleness, improve strength, and help restore healthy nails from the inside out — especially helpful for those with underlying deficiencies. - Custom Plans Based on You
Every treatment plan at Align considers your nail history, health status, lifestyle, and goals. Whether you need lab testing, culture analysis, or a cosmetic boost, we tailor your care to what’s right for you.
Ready to take a closer look at your toenails?
Book an evaluation with Dr. Ho-Ellsworth today and find out what your nails might be telling you about your health.
Schedule Your Appointment
Align Foot & Ankle
1600 W 38th St #408, Austin, TX
Call: 512-882-4911
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