An ingrown toenail is a common foot ailment among many patients. It occurs as a result of the toenail growing into the side edges of the nail, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. It may develop when there is inadequate room in the toe area of shoes that are worn, or from improperly trimming the toenails. Some of the symptoms patients often experience with this condition can consist of swelling, redness on or around the affected area, and in severe cases, there may be a discharge coming from the nail. It may be beneficial to soak the foot in warm water, which can help to soften the nail. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can recommend the best treatment option for you, which may involve surgery to partially remove the affected nail.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. 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 offices located in Fair Lawn and Riverdale, New Jersey. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.