Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
An ingrown toenail can start as a small annoyance but quickly become painful and difficult to ignore. Whether it’s caused by footwear, nail-cutting habits, injury or the natural shape of your toenail, an ingrown toenail can make walking and wearing shoes uncomfortable.
The good news is that most ingrown toenails can be treated effectively, particularly when they’re addressed early.
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, most commonly affecting the big toe.
As the nail presses into the skin, it can cause irritation and inflammation. In some cases, the area may become infected, leading to increased pain, swelling or discharge.
What causes ingrown toenails?
There isn’t always a single cause. Common contributing factors include:
Cutting your toenails incorrectly – Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
Tight or poorly fitting footwear – Shoes that place pressure on the toes can push the skin against the nail.
Naturally curved toenails – Some people are more prone to ingrown toenails because of the shape or structure of their nails.
Toe injuries – Trauma to the toe or nail can sometimes alter how the nail grows.
Repeated pressure on the toes – Activities such as running or sports can increase pressure around the toenails.
Previous ingrown toenails – Once you’ve experienced an ingrown toenail, you may be more susceptible to future episodes.
What are the symptoms?
An ingrown toenail may initially cause tenderness along one side of the nail. As the condition progresses, you may notice:
Pain or tenderness around the nail
Redness and swelling
Increased sensitivity when wearing shoes
Warmth around the affected area
Fluid or discharge
Bleeding or overgrown tissue around the nail
If symptoms are becoming more severe or the area appears infected, it’s a good idea to have your toe assessed by a podiatrist.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail.
For a mild case, your podiatrist may recommend conservative treatment to reduce pressure and allow the nail to grow normally. This may include advice about footwear, nail care and managing the surrounding skin.
For more painful or persistent ingrown toenails, a podiatrist can carefully remove the section of nail that is pressing into the skin. This can often provide rapid relief.
If ingrown toenails keep returning, a minor procedure may be recommended to address the problematic section of nail and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Your podiatrist can discuss the most appropriate option based on your individual circumstances.
Can you treat an ingrown toenail yourself?
It can be tempting to cut or dig into the corner of an ingrown toenail yourself. However, attempting to remove the nail with sharp instruments or repeatedly cutting down the sides can make the problem worse and increase the risk of infection.
If your toe is painful, swollen or showing signs of infection, professional assessment is recommended.
How can you prevent ingrown toenails?
A few simple habits can help reduce your risk:
Cut your toenails straight across. Avoid cutting deeply into the corners or cutting the nails excessively short.
Wear shoes with enough room for your toes. Your footwear should allow your toes to sit comfortably without being compressed.
Look after your feet. Keeping your feet clean and dry and checking your toes regularly can help you identify problems early.
Take care after toe injuries. If a nail becomes damaged following an injury, keep an eye on how it grows back.
Don’t ignore recurring problems. If you regularly develop ingrown toenails, a podiatrist can assess why they’re occurring and discuss longer-term treatment options.
When should you see a podiatrist?
If an ingrown toenail is painful, keeps coming back, is affecting your ability to walk or appears infected, professional treatment can help.
It’s particularly important to seek advice promptly if you have diabetes, reduced circulation, reduced sensation in your feet or another condition that may affect healing.
At The Foot Clinic Group, our podiatrists can assess your ingrown toenail and recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on its severity and your individual needs.
Don’t let an ingrown toenail keep you off your feet. If you’re experiencing ongoing pain or discomfort, book an assessment with The Foot Clinic Group to get your feet back on track.
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