While ingrown toenails can become painful and problematic, there are ways to reduce and prevent the pain. Trim straight across and never on a curve while only cutting the tip; you don’t want to cut them too short. Avoid digging the nail clipper into the corner of the nail beds, filing them down is the best option. Wearing shoes with a wider toe box can keep the pressure off the toes, preventing ingrown toenails from occurring.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. If you have any concerns contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, L.L.C. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
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 concerns feel free contact our offices located in Fair Lawn and Riverdale, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.