Comprehensive Guide to Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Many people, regardless of their age or lifestyle, suffer from ingrown toenails. If not treated right away, it can cause intense pain, infections, and may even require surgery. It’s crucial to know about its causes, symptoms, and treatments for maintaining good foot health. James W. Ratcliff DPM is dedicated to informing people about ingrown toenails to help reduce pain and avoid possible complications.

An ingrown toenail is essentially a condition where the nail begins to grow into the adjacent skin, resulting in pressure, swelling, and potentially infection. This issue is most frequently seen in the big toe, but it can occur in any toenail. Despite it being common, many people aren’t aware of what causes it, which emphasizes the importance of understanding its reasons. Factors like improper nail-cutting techniques, shoes that don’t fit well, and foot abnormalities can all play a role in the development of ingrown toenails.

In the following sections, we will provide a guide to ingrown toenails to help patients make informed decisions about their foot care.

The Root Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can happen for different reasons, and it’s important to know why so you can treat them properly. Here are some common causes:

1. Cutting your nails too short or not straight across can make the nail grow into your skin and cause an ingrown toenail.
2. Shoes that are too tight or narrow can put pressure on your toes and can also force the nail to grow into your skin.
3. If you hurt your toenail, like stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it, it can grow irregularly and cause an ingrown toenail.
4. Conditions like bunions, hammer toes, or other toe joint abnormalities can alter the growth and alignment of toenails, increasing the likelihood of ingrown nails.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

Identifying the signs of an ingrown toenail allows for early intervention, a crucial factor in preventing complications. Be aware of these common symptoms:

1. Redness and Inflammation: The skin around the affected toenail may become red, swollen, and painful due to the nail’s pressure.
2. Pain and Tenderness: Discomfort and sensitivity when touching the affected area can indicate an ingrown toenail situation.
3. Infection: In more severe cases, infection can develop, leading to pus, increased pain, and a foul odor near the affected toe.
4. Difficulty Walking: Severe pain, infection, or inflammation may cause discomfort when walking or wearing shoes and may be a clear indication of an ingrown toenail.

A Range of Effective Treatment Options

The appropriate treatment for ingrown toenails depends on the severity and cause. In some cases, simple home remedies may suffice, while others might require professional intervention. Here are the various treatment options:

1. Home Remedies: For mild cases, soaking the feet in warm water, applying antibiotic ointment, and wearing properly-fitted shoes may alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
2. Conservative Medical Treatments: When home remedies fail, a specialist in foot and ankle surgery may suggest more specialized treatments like nail splinting, oral or topical antibiotics, or custom orthotics to correct any underlying foot deformities.
3. Surgical Intervention: In the most stubborn or severe cases, a specialist in foot and ankle surgery may perform a minor surgical procedure to remove a portion of the nail or the entire nail plate, depending on the severity of the problem.
4. Preventive Care: Once the ingrown toenail is resolved, proper nail care, footwear, and regular check-ups with a specialist in foot and ankle surgery can help prevent recurrence.

Patient Education and Prevention Strategies

Proactive measures, patient education, and an understanding of prevention strategies can help reduce the risk of developing ingrown toenails, maintain healthy feet, and improve overall quality of life:

1. Proper Nail Cutting Technique: Always cut nails straight across, avoiding rounded corners, and ensure they are not trimmed too short, as this could contribute to abnormal nail growth.
2. Choose the Right Footwear: Choose shoes with a spacious toe box to avoid too much pressure on the toes. For athletes, selecting sport-specific shoes designed to support their activity is crucial.
3. Regular Foot Maintenance: Engaging in routine foot care activities such as moisturizing, gentle foot massages, and addressing potential issues early can contribute to improved foot health and well-being.
4. Monitor for Changes: Watch out for changes in your nails and feet, and consult a specialist in foot and ankle surgery should any concerns arise, such as developing ingrown toenails or experiencing sudden pain or discomfort.

Conclusion

Ingrown toenails can be a painful and distressing condition when left untreated. However, with proper understanding, preventive care, and access to a range of treatment options, it is possible to manage and even avoid the issue altogether. 

If you are experiencing ingrown toenails or other foot-related concerns, book an appointment with James W. Ratcliff DPM, for expert consultation and personalized care. Prioritizing your foot health with the help of a dedicated expert foot and ankle specialist in Los Gatos ensures you can go about your daily activities unencumbered by painful ingrown toenails or other common foot ailments.