An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and redness. This condition commonly affects the big toe and can be caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or injury. People with naturally curved nails or certain foot conditions are more prone to developing ingrown toenails. Symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, redness, and in some cases, the formation of pus if an infection develops. The area surrounding the nail may feel tender or sore, especially when walking or wearing shoes. Treatment for an ingrown toenail starts with soaking the foot in warm water to reduce swelling. For mild cases, a podiatrist may lift the nail or trim it carefully. In more severe cases, part of the nail may need to be removed or treated with a local anesthetic. If you are experiencing an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper care.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.