An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the nail presses into the surrounding skin, leading to redness, swelling, and sharp pain along the border of the nail. It may look puffy or irritated and can sometimes drain if infection is present. This condition often occurs after improper trimming, tight shoes, or injury to the toe. Early treatment may include careful trimming and reducing pressure, but when the problem becomes chronic, more advanced care is needed. A traditional matrixectomy removes part of the nail root to permanently narrow the nail and prevent regrowth along the painful edge. A nail brace offers a more conservative option by gently lifting and reshaping the nail over time without removing tissue. A podiatrist will evaluate the severity, discuss health history, and recommend the most appropriate solution. If you have an ingrown toenail that continues to return or becomes infected, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot Specialists. 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
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 offices located in Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, Sachse, and Lewisville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
