People may assume that any soreness along the edge of a toenail is caused by an ingrown nail, but overgrown skin around the nail can create similar discomfort. An ingrown toenail develops when the nail edge presses into the surrounding skin, often causing redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes drainage or infection. Overgrown toe skin, however, may form from pressure, friction, or irritation that causes thickened tissue to build beside the nail. While both conditions can look alike, treatment is often different. A podiatrist can examine the toe closely to determine whether the nail itself is the problem, or if excess skin is causing the pain. Treatment may include trimming the nail properly, removing irritated tissue, reducing inflammation, or correcting recurring nail growth issues. Proper diagnosis can prevent ongoing discomfort and infection. If you have persistent toe pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate care.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact David Mansky, DPM of Mansky Podiatry. 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
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 office located in Hastings, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
