
Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition most often affects the big toe, especially along the lateral edge. Causes include hereditary nail shape, poorly fitting shoes that compress the toes, trauma, and trimming nails too short or with rounded corners. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the ingrown toenail and provide the appropriate treatment, which may include surgery in recurring or severe cases. Conservative options involve carefully lifting and supporting the nail edge to reduce pressure on the skin. In more advanced cases, a podiatrist may recommend partial removal of the nail or removal of the nail matrix, the tissue located under the base of the nail, just beneath the cuticle and behind the nail plate, to prevent regrowth in the affected section. These approaches relieve pain, correct the ingrown edge, and lower the risk of infection or complications. If you have a problematic ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you suchedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our doctors of Favor Foot Ankle Leg & Wound Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
- Bacterial infections
- Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
- Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
- Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
- Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in South Amboy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.