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When a toenail is ingrown, it is curved and grows into the skin, usually at the nail borders (the sides of the nail). This “digging in” of the nail irritates the skin, often creating pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the toe.
If an ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area, which is often marked by drainage and a foul odor. However, even if the toe isn’t painful, red, swollen, or warm, a nail that curves downward into the skin can progress to an infection.
Causes of ingrown toenails include:
• Heredity. In many people, the tendency for ingrown toenails is inherited.
• Trauma. Sometimes an ingrown toenail is the result of trauma, such as stubbing your toe, having an object fall on your toe, or engaging in activities that involve repeated pressure on the toes, such as kicking or running.
• Improper trimming. The most common cause of ingrown toenails is cutting your nails too short. This encourages the skin next to the nail to fold over the nail.
• Improperly sized footwear. Ingrown toenails can result from wearing socks and shoes that are tight or short.
• Nail Conditions. Ingrown toenails can be caused by nail problems, such as fungal infections or losing a nail due to trauma.
Treatment
Sometimes initial treatment for ingrown toenails can be safely performed at home. However, home treatment is strongly discouraged if an infection is suspected, or for those who have medical conditions that put feet at high risk, such as diabetes, nerve damage in the foot, or poor circulation.
Home care:
If you don’t have an infection or any of the above medical conditions, you can soak your foot in room-temperature water (adding Epsom’s salt may be recommended by your doctor), and gently massage the side of the nail fold to help reduce the inflammation.
Avoid attempting “bathroom surgery.” Repeated cutting of the nail can cause the condition to worsen over time. If your symptoms fail to improve, it’s time to see a foot and ankle surgeon.
Physician care:
After examining the toe, the foot and ankle surgeon will select the treatment best suited for you. If an infection is present, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed.
Sometimes a minor surgical procedure, often performed in the office, will ease the pain and remove the offending nail. After applying a local anesthetic, the doctor removes part of the nail’s side border. Some nails may become ingrown again, requiring removal of the nail root.
Following the nail procedure, a light bandage will be applied. Most people experience very little pain after surgery and may resume normal activity the next day. If your surgeon has prescribed an oral antibiotic, be sure to take all the medication, even if your symptoms have improved.
Preventing Ingrown Toenails
Many cases of ingrown toenails can be prevented with proper trimming and wearing well-fitted socks and shoes. Cut toenails in a fairly straight line, and don’t cut them too short. You should be able to get your fingernail under the sides and end of the nail. Don’t wear shoes that are short or tight in the toe area. Avoid shoes that are loose, because they too cause pressure on the toes, especially when running or walking briskly.
What You Should Know About Home Treatment
• Don’t cut a notch in the nail. Contrary to what some people believe, this does not reduce the tendency for the nail to curve downward.
• Don’t repeatedly trim nail borders. Repeated trimming does not change the way the nail grows, and can make the condition worse.
• Don’t place cotton under the nail. Not only does this not relieve the pain, it provides a place for harmful bacteria to grow, resulting in infection.
• Over-the-counter medications are ineffective. Topical medications may mask the pain, but they don’t correct the underlying problem.
Lakeside Foot & Ankle Center
Podiatrists in Leesburg and The Villages, Florida
Our practice provides superior foot and ankle care for every walk of life using state of the art and time proven diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. We believe that prevention, prompt diagnosis, and early intervention are the key ingredients to minimize the impact of any problem on your life. We provide the full range of podiatric care, exhausting all conservative treatment options prior to graduating to surgical intervention when necessary. Our board-certified physicians are well versed in the arena of podiatric medicine and provide skilled and compassionate surgical care.
Our staff is committed to creating a warm and friendly environment to provide a relaxed and comfortable experience for you. We take pride in taking the time to thoroughly understand your concerns and make certain you comprehend all aspects of the treatment plan we formulate specifically for you. We work closely with primary care physicians and all other specialists to create a comprehensive care plan that takes all aspects of your health into consideration.
Lakeside Foot & Ankle Center offers a full array of podiatric services to help you maintain healthy feet.
910 Old Camp Road
Bldg 110, Suite 112
The Villages, FL 32162
352.259.0854
1330 Citizens Blvd.
Suite 301
Leesburg, FL 34748
352.728.1252
