Nail Injury Treatment Doctor in Portland, and Tigard, OR
Any injury to your nails, whether it’s a broken nail, a deep cut, or an infection, can be painful and concerning. At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, we specialize in diagnosing and treating nail injuries with prompt care. Our experienced healthcare providers offer treatments to help relieve pain, promote healing, and prevent complications. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. Visit us at our convenient locations in Portland and Tigard, OR.


Table of Contents:
What are the common causes of nail injuries?
How do I know if my nail injury is serious?
What should I do if I hit my nail and it turns black?
Can a broken or cracked nail heal on its own?
At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, we understand that nail injuries can be both painful and inconvenient, impacting your daily activities. Our team is equipped to address a variety of nail injuries, which often arise from trauma. Whether you’ve accidentally dropped a heavy object on your toe or smashed a finger in a door, we’re here to provide immediate care for bruising, bleeding, or even fractures of the underlying bone.
Nail injuries can result from a variety of factors, including repetitive trauma, improper nail care, and underlying medical conditions. Activities such as running or wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause prolonged pressure and friction on the nails, leading to injury. Additionally, improper nail care practices, such as overzealous manicuring or using harsh chemical products, can weaken the nails and increase the risk of infection.
Underlying medical conditions, like psoriasis, fungal infections, or nutritional deficiencies, can also compromise the integrity of the nails. Addressing these conditions early can prevent further damage and support healthier nails.
Taking a proactive approach to nail health is essential. Whether it’s offering advice on proper nail care, preventive measures, or managing conditions that affect nail strength, our clinic provides comprehensive care and guidance to help you protect your nails and maintain their health.
At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, we understand that nail injuries can be both painful and concerning. Our experienced medical team is here to help you determine the seriousness of your injury and provide the necessary care. Here are a few key indicators to consider when deciding whether to visit our clinic for treatment:
• Pain and Visible Damage: Severe or persistent pain may indicate a more serious injury. Bruising, bleeding, or damage under the nail could require medical attention and possible drainage.
• Nail Detachment and Lacerations: If the nail is detached or there’s a deep laceration, seeking medical care is crucial to prevent infection and complications.
• Signs of Infection: Swelling, redness, warmth, or pus around the nail are signs of infection, requiring treatment to stop its spread and promote healing.
• Loss of Sensation or Movement: Loss of sensation or movement could indicate nerve damage or a fracture, necessitating professional evaluation for proper care.
• Puncture Wounds or Foreign Bodies: Puncture wounds or foreign bodies around the nail should be treated promptly to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.
• Impact on Daily Activities: If the injury affects daily tasks or you have conditions like diabetes or a compromised immune system, seeking medical advice is important for proper recovery.
At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, we prioritize your health and well-being. While some nail injuries can be managed with basic first aid, don’t hesitate to visit us when in doubt. Our team is dedicated to providing the care you need to prevent complications and ensure a full recovery.
We understand that accidents can happen, and one common injury we see is nail trauma resulting in black discoloration. This condition, known as a subungual hematoma, occurs when blood collects under the nail due to an injury, such as a heavy object impact or door slam.
Our team is here to help you assess the severity of your injury. If you experience significant pain, severe swelling, or discoloration that covers more than half of your nail, visiting one of our clinics for an evaluation is crucial. Our healthcare professionals can determine if you need further treatment, such as nail drainage or imaging to rule out a fracture.
For less severe injuries, general home care strategies can help manage pain and swelling. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area and elevating the limb can be effective. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help alleviate discomfort.
It’s important to keep the nail clean and monitor for signs of nail infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or pus. If any of these symptoms occur, seeking medical attention is recommended to ensure proper healing.
As the nail heals, it will gradually grow out, though this process may take several months. If any unusual changes or concerns arise during the healing process, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
While a black nail from trauma is often not serious, monitoring the injury and seeking medical advice ensures proper care and peace of mind.
A broken or cracked nail can be both painful and inconvenient. While minor nail issues can often be resolved on their own, more significant damage may require professional evaluation and treatment. Here’s how we can assist you:
• Evaluation and Treatment: If you experience a nail injury causing significant pain or extending deep into the nail bed, healthcare professionals can assess the extent of the damage. Treatment may include cleaning the affected area, applying protective bandages, or using medical-grade repair solutions to prevent infection and promote healing.
• Infection Prevention: Early signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus, can be identified and treated with appropriate medications like antibiotics or antifungal treatments to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.
• Nail Care Guidance: Advice on maintaining good nail hygiene is essential for proper recovery. This includes tips on keeping nails trimmed and clean, avoiding harmful habits like nail biting, and using protective gloves when necessary to safeguard the nails.
• Nutritional Advice: Nutrition plays a key role in nail health. Recommendations on dietary adjustments or supplements, such as biotin and zinc, can be provided to support healthy nail growth.
• Follow-Up Care: If ongoing care is needed, follow-up appointments are available to monitor healing progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Columbia Clinic Urgent Care is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for all your urgent medical needs, including nail injuries. If your cracked nail isn’t improving or you’re experiencing discomfort, don’t hesitate to visit us for prompt and effective treatment.
Your nail health is important, and we’re here to help ensure it remains in the best possible condition. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Portland OR, PDX, Tigard OR, Milwaukie OR, Cedar Hills OR, Cedar Mill OR, Lake Oswego OR, Oak Grove OR, Vancouver WA, Aloha OR, Minnehaha WA, Gladstone OR, Tualatin OR, West Linn OR, Fairview OR, Oregon City OR.