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About Black Toenail and Treatment Options
Related Nail Conditions
Schedule Your Appointment
Navigating Black/Darkened Toenail
A black or darkened toenail typically occurs when bleeding under the nail plate causes discoloration. This often results from repetitive trauma — such as downward pressure during running or sports — or from a single forceful injury (for example, slamming a toe or dropping a heavy object).
At our St. Louis and Chesterfield offices, we diagnose and treat black toenails early to prevent complications and restore the nail’s appearance and function.
About Black Toenail and Treatment Options
Signs & Symptoms
- Dark brown, black or red-brown discoloration beneath the nail plate
- Pain or tenderness under the nail or at the base of the toe
- Gradual thickening or brittle texture of the nail
- The old nail slowly growing out and being replaced by a normal-looking nail
Treatment Options at Feet for Life
Our experienced podiatric team offers both conservative and more advanced treatments depending on the severity of your condition:
- Drilling a vent hole in the nail plate – This relieves pressure and allows sub-nail blood to escape, reducing pain and promoting healthier regrowth.
- Partial or complete nail removal – In more advanced or persistent cases, we may remove the damaged nail plate to allow a new, healthy nail to grow in its place.
- Custom follow-up care and monitoring – We provide guidance on proper footwear, activity modification, and follow-up visits to track nail regrowth and prevent recurrence.
Why Choose Feet for Life in St. Louis & Chesterfield
- Our practice is board-certified and nationally recognized for foot and ankle care, both surgical and non-surgical.
- We treat black toenails alongside a full spectrum of toe and nail disorders — giving you the benefit of comprehensive expertise.
- Convenient locations in St. Louis (University City/Clayton) and Chesterfield Valley make it easy to find care when you need it.
- We emphasize patient education so you understand your condition, your options, and the timeline to full recovery.
Related Nail Conditions
Sometimes a dark nail isn’t caused by trauma at all. Conditions like fungal nail infections, thickened nails, or long-standing nail damage can create similar discoloration. If we suspect fungus, we may recommend:
- On-site nail debridement
- Cold laser therapy (part of our Clear Nail Program)
- At-home care support
- Nail growth supplements
- Referral to CleanSpa for cosmetic restoration and ongoing maintenance
How to Get Started
Don’t wait until the nail problem worsens or becomes infected. If you’ve developed a darkened toenail and are experiencing discomfort or cosmetic concerns, call us today at 314-207-7280 or click here to schedule a consultation. Our team will evaluate your condition, discuss treatment options and create a personalized plan so you can get back to pain-free, healthy nails.
Let us help you restore your nail’s health — and your confidence in wearing sandals again.
