Short answer: Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes infection. It can be painful to wear shoes or walk. Without proper care, ingrown toenails can worsen. It’s important to seek professional treatment to prevent complications.
Why Ingrown Toenails Happen
Ingrown toenails occur when the side or corner of a toenail begins to grow into the fleshy part of the toe. This condition is most commonly seen in the big toes, but it can affect any toe. Common causes of ingrown toenails include improperly trimming the nails too short or rounding the edges, both of which can direct nail growth into the skin. Wearing tight-fitting shoes or high heels that compress the toes can also increase the risk. Athletes or those frequently engaging in sports may develop ingrown toenails due to repetitive trauma from activities like running or kicking. Additionally, some people might have a genetic predisposition, such as having naturally curved toenails, making them more susceptible to this condition.
What You Can Do at Home
If you notice early symptoms of an ingrown toenail, there are steps you can take at home to relieve discomfort and prevent the condition from worsening. Start by soaking your foot in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes, three to four times a day. You can add Epsom salt to the water to help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. After soaking, gently dry your foot thoroughly, and apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to the affected area to reduce the risk of infection. Ensure the inflected area is covered with a clean bandage to protect it from bacteria and further irritation. It’s crucial to wear loose-fitting or open-toed shoes to avoid pressure on the toenail. While you may feel tempted to cut or dig out the ingrown part of the nail, it’s advised to avoid this as it may worsen the problem or lead to infection.
How a Podiatrist Can Help
When home remedies fail to relieve the symptoms or the toenail becomes severely ingrown, consulting a podiatrist is crucial. At our clinic, the podiatrist will first examine the ingrown toenail and the surrounding skin. For mild cases, they might lift the edge of the nail and place a small piece of cotton or a dental floss under it to separate it from the skin and guide it to grow above the skin edge. In more severe cases, where there is significant pain or infection, the podiatrist may perform a partial nail avulsion. This procedure involves numbing the toe with local anesthesia and carefully removing the ingrown portion of the nail. If ingrown toenails are a recurring issue, a procedure known as matrixectomy may be recommended, where part of the nail matrix is removed or destroyed to prevent regrowth. Our clinic provides same-day ingrown toenail removal for quick relief and ensures a comfortable experience.
When to See a Podiatrist
Severe pain, swelling, or redness that persists despite home care
Pus, bleeding, or other signs of infection such as oozing from the site
Recurring ingrown toenails or those that involve multiple toes
Pain that affects your ability to walk normally or wear shoes comfortably
Presence of fever, which could indicate spreading infection
People with underlying conditions such as diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation need to be particularly cautious
It’s important to address these symptoms as soon as possible to avoid serious infections and complications. For individuals with diabetes or circulation problems, untreated ingrown toenails can result in severe complications. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, or if the ingrown toenail does not improve, please consider seeking professional guidance. At DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center, we are dedicated to caring for your foot health and helping you find relief. For expert advice and treatment options, visit our ingrown toenail specialist in Cypress, TX.
