What causes ingrown toenails?

Having an ingrown toenail means that instead of growing over your skin, your nail starts growing into your skin and causing irritation and pain. In most cases, poor trimming habits are to blame. You can wind up with an ingrown toenail if you:

• Round out your toenail edges
• Cut your toenails too short
• Tear or rip your toenails

It’s not always bad pedicure habits that are the problem though. You might just be prone to developing this painful condition if you inherited an abnormally curved nail shape. Ingrown toenails even sometimes stem from trauma, including stubbing your toe. 

Do I need treatment for an ingrown toenail?

Yes. Blood flow is so limited in your toes because they’re so far away from your heart and your circulatory system has to work feverishly against the effects of gravity. Decreased blood supply means a slower healing time, which can increase your risk of a serious infection.

The dedicated podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists encourage you to schedule an ingrown toenail evaluation as soon as possible if you’re noticing any of the following issues on one or both sides of your nail:

• Oozing
• Redness 
• Tenderness 
• Inflammation 

Usually, ingrown toenails occur on your big toe. But it’s certainly possible for any of your toenails to become ingrown. 

How are ingrown toenails treated?

The caring podiatry team at Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists understand how unbearably painful an ingrown toenail can become. They examine your toe and find the best possible solution for your specific condition. Your ingrown toenail treatment may include:

• Taking regular warm foot soaks

• Placing a splint underneath your nail
• Taking antibiotics or pain-relieving medications 
• Numbing your toe and trimming away the ingrown part of your nail

In severe cases, removing the entire toenail may be necessary to treat a serious infection directly. If needed, your dedicated podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists can treat the growth center of your nail to prevent regrowth, but only if you continue developing ingrown toenails. 

Book your ingrown toenail evaluation at Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists online. You can also call any clinic to speak with a team member.