The medical ailment that is known as an ingrown toenail can occur as a result of the outer edges of the nail growing into the surrounding skin. This typically affects the big toe, and common symptoms can include pain and discomfort, in addition to swelling and redness. In severe cases, you may notice a discharge that comes from the nail. If this occurs, it’s important that your promptly seek treatment, as it may help to prevent an infection. Mild relief can be found by soaking the affected toe in warm water several times throughout the day, followed by placing a piece of cotton in the corner of the nail, which may help to lift the nail. If the ingrown toenail is causing constant pain, and appears red and swollen for an extended period of time, it is advised that you seek the professional advice of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our doctors of Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.