Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition. They can be very painful, and treatment is often promptly sought for relief. It is defined as the nail on the big toe that grows into the skin instead of over it, and it may become infected. This can cause bleeding, and pus may drain from it. An ingrown toenail can happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly or from improperly trimming the toenails. This ailment may be common among athletes who can have feet that frequently sweat, and the nail may easily puncture the skin. The symptoms that many people experience with an ingrown toenail include swelling surrounding the affected toe, redness, and pain. Mild relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water. This also may make it easier to gently pull the skin away from the nail. If you have developed this foot condition, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer you permanent relief options.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Patrick Bruton, DPM of Big Country foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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 our offices located in Abilene, and Brownwood, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.