Why do I get ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails are one of the more common foot problems treated by the Podiatrist. They can be very painful, with people limiting their activity to keep off their sore feet.

An ingrown toenail is a toenail that has a tendency to grow into the adjacent soft skin tissue, producing infection and inflammation. This condition most commonly develops on the big toe from a combination of factors:

• Improper trimming of toenails
• Tight fitting shoes which compress the toes together
• Hose or socks that are too tight
• Abnormally shaped nail plate
• Other toenail deformities (eg. excessively thick nail plate)
• Trauma to the nail plate or toe

Some ingrown toenails are chronic, with repeated episodes of pain and infection. Pain can be present without infection, and occasionally infection is present without pain.

The usual signs of infection include; redness, swelling, increased warmth, and pain.

Treatment consists of proper technique of cutting nails in a straight but curved manner consistent with your nail bed shape. Wear proper fitting shoes that do not impinge on the soft tissue next to the nail itself. Clean around your nails and make sure you do not cut your nails too short.

If an ingrown nails develops consult your podiatrist who will recommend you to soak in an Epsom salt solution, clean nail and possibly prescribe an antibiotic if an infection is present.

If pus or any other drainage is present, it is imperative to seek medical attention.