Having an ingrown toenail is an extremely painful condition that happens when the edge of your toenail grows into the tender skin on the edge of your toe. While any of your toenails can grow into your skin, the condition frequently affects the big toe causing pain, swelling, redness and oozing from a bacterial or fungal toenail infection.
The 2 primary causes of ingrown toenails are:
1) Incorrect toenail cutting—The majority of ingrown toenail problems are caused by haphazard toenail cutting technique. Try to cut your toenails straight across with only a slight curve at the edges. Keep them a little long so that the edge of the nail doesn’t even have a chance of growing into your tender skin. When a toenail starts growing inward, it will continue to push into your tissue unless it is redirected or surgically modified. If the condition is not too painful, you should be able to lift up the edge of the nail and insert a small piece of cotton underneath to hold the nail away from the skin.
2) Wearing poorly fitting shoes—Wearing shoes like high heels that are too tight can cause the nail to bend over and start growing into the edge of your toe. So it’s best to avoid shoes like pumps that constrict the toes and increase pressure.
If you are suffering with an ingrown toenail, see your foot doctor for the best care. Dr. Scott Nelson of Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, TX, is a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist who has helped people suffering from all types of foot and ankle injuries and deformities. From bunions, to diabetic foot problems, sports injuries and fungal nails, you can trust that Dr. Nelson and his staff are wholeheartedly devoted to your foot health. Please contact our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment by calling 972-414-9800.