Ingrown Toenails

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail is a common condition that occurs when the side or corner of your toenail begins growing into the soft tissue. As a result, the skin becomes inflamed and painful. If left untreated, the skin around the ingrown nail can become infected.

While it’s possible to develop an ingrown nail on any of your toes, the condition is most common in the big toe.

What causes an ingrown toenail?

One of the most common reasons for an ingrown toe is improper nail care. Cutting your nails too short can lead to the nail’s edge growing into the skin. Other risk factors for ingrown toenails include:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Family history
• Ill-fitting shoes

You may also be prone to ingrown toenails if you participate in sports or other frequent physical activity that puts pressure on your feet or causes your feet to stay slightly damp.

How is an ingrown toenail treated?

Your Ankle & Foot Specialist of N.J. provider can assess your ingrown toenail during a physical exam. They can also determine if your nail has become infected.

If the nail is painful or the toe has developed an infection, the doctors offer on-site treatments to prevent a worsening of your condition. Generally, they can remove a part of your toenail to ease pain, and you may need a course of antibiotics to clear the existing infection.

Medications are also available to prevent the regrowth of a problem nail if you have recurrent ingrown nail issues.

Your Ankle & Foot Specialist of N.J. doctor also works with you on a foot-care plan to prevent additional or recurrent ingrown toenails. In many cases, letting your nails grow longer and soaking your feet to soften nails before clipping can reduce your risk for ingrown nails.

If you develop another ingrown nail, you can try placing a piece of cotton under the nail to help it grow away from the skin and prevent pain. You can also do a foot soak in Epsom salts or antibiotic soap to ease pain and prevent infection.

Don’t delay treatment for a painful ingrown toenail. Schedule a consultation at Ankle & Foot Specialist of N.J. today using the convenient online booking feature or by calling the office nearest you.