An ingrown toenail, medically deemed onychocryptosis, is a very common complaint among patients in a podiatry office. This condition usually begins with mild tenderness along the edge of a toenail where a portion of the nail border has penetrated the skin. Over time, the toe may become increasingly painful to touch with localized redness and inflammation. An infection may develop where the toe exhibits warmth, and pus begins to drain from the site where the nail has pierced the skin.
The severity of the nail’s appearance will vary. Some will have a nail that appears incurvated and deeply embedded into the skin; others may have a small spike in a corner that penetrates down into the nail bed. Aside from penetrating the skin, a nail can apply pressure in the nail fold area without breaking the skin causing discomfort and mild pain. This is not technically an “ingrown nail.”
Causes of ingrown nails range can from genetics to an improper shoe size wherein a shoe’s toebox can place pressure on the nail. Direct trauma to the nail such as stubbing a toe, can alter the way in which the nail grows. Nail fungus can alter the nails growth pattern as well. Preventative measures include proper nail trimming wherein the nail should be cut straight across without tapering the corners. Proper fitting shoes can also help prevent ingrown nails. It is best to seek advice from your podiatrist, and avoid “bathroom surgery.”
Podiatric treatment for an ingrown nail that’s infected involves antibiotics in addition to soaking the foot in Epsom Salt. It is important to keep an infection clean and monitor it daily for signs of worsening inflammation. If a nail is simply ingrown but not infected, Dr. Garvin may trim the nail border to see if the nail will grow back properly. In the case of reoccurring ingrown nails, Dr. Garvin will perform a simple surgical procedure that will remove the entire nail border permanently.
Our goal here at Foot and Ankle Specialist of the Treasure Coast is to keep you healthy and walking comfortably. There are often many conservative options for treatment with surgery typically the last one implemented. So stay healthy and keep your feet pain free!
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