Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and potential infection. Causes include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury, or genetic predisposition. To prevent ingrown toenails, it is important to cut nails straight across and avoid rounding the edges. Wearing properly fitted shoes that allow for ample toe room can also reduce the risk. Allowing toenails to breathe by wearing open-toed shoes occasionally promotes healthy nail growth and reduces pressure on the toes. If you have an ingrown toenail and the pain worsens or it appears infected, it is suggested that you seek prompt treatment from a podiatrist. This foot doctor can provide professional care, such as lifting the nail edge, prescribing antibiotics for infection, or performing a partial nail avulsion procedure if necessary. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of DeCaro Total Foot Care 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 West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.