If the toenails grow into the skin surrounding the nail, you may have a condition referred to as ingrown toenails. This typically occurs when the nails are cut improperly or if the shoes are not fitting correctly. Additionally, if you have poor circulation or diabetes, healing may take significantly longer, and may cause other complications. Symptoms of this ailment generally consist of moderate to severe pain and reddened, swollen skin. There may be pus draining out of it, which can indicate an infection. Treatment remedies include soaking the area in warm water several time per day or applying a cushioning material, such as gauze, in the corner of the nail. There are many ways to prevent this condition from occurring, including wearing shoes that fit properly and making sure there’s enough room for the toes to move. If you suffer from this condition, it’s advised to consult with a podiatrist to determine the best treatment options for you.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of New York Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Franklin Square, Bethpage, Bronx, and Brooklyn, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.