Understanding Ingrown Toenails
October 10, 2024
Ingrown toenails occur when the side or corner of your toenail grows into the flesh at the border of your nail bed. While they are most common on the big toe, they can occur on any toe.
Ingrown toenails are very common. About 20% of all people in the United States will have one at some point in their lives. They can vary in terms of severity. Some will go away on their own and others will need to be treated by a specialist.
Symptoms
You might have an ingrown toenail if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Tenderness and pain in the effected toe
- Redness
- Swelling
- Infection
People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing an infection because diabetes limits the blood flow to the foot. If this applies to you, contact our office to get on the schedule ASAP.
Causes
There are several things that can cause ingrown toenails. Below is a list of the most common causes.
- Curved toenails
- Tight-fitting shoes
- Toenail injuries
- Cutting your nails at an angle
- Cutting your nails too short
Treatments
If you’re waiting for your treatment at the Foot & Ankle Specialists or your ingrown toenail isn’t severe, you could try soaking your foot in warm water. This will help relieve irritation and inflammation. It will also temporarily eliminate pain and tenderness.
When you come into Foot & Ankle Specialists, your doctor might perform a gutter splint. A gutter splint aims to free up the edge of the toenail that is digging into your tissue to avoid it from going deeper.
In some cases, your doctor might need to remove a section of the nail bed or nail to clear the way for your nail to grow back correctly. But no need to be scared! This procedure is often painless and noninvasive. If you know you’re sensitive to pain, your doctor can give you a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort.
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