Ingrown Toenails | What Your Podiatrist Wants You To Know
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort. If left untreated, they can also lead to more serious problems. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to prevent ingrown toenails from happening in the first place. Here's what your podiatrist wants you to know.
What Are Ingrown Toenails?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the side of the nail turns and grows into your toe. This abnormal growth can happen on any toe, on one or both sides of the nail.
What Are the Signs That You Have an Ingrown Toenail?
The main symptom of an ingrown toenail is pain, but you may also see redness, swelling, and pus around the affected toe. If the infection is severe, you might also have a fever and feel sick. In some cases, you may see that the nail has curved.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
There are several common causes of ingrown toenails, including:
- Incorrect nail trimming. When you trim your nails, it's important to cut them straight across. Cutting them too short or rounding the corners can cause the edges of the nails to grow into the flesh of your toe.
- Ill-fitting shoes. Your shoes can also be a contributing factor. Shoes that are too tight or too narrow put pressure on your toes and cause the nails to grow into the flesh.
- Diabetes. If you have diabetes, you're also at risk for ingrown toenails because diabetes can cause changes in the structure of your nails.
- Infection. Unfortunately, your favorite place to grab a mani-pedi may not be as clean as you'd like. If the tools and work area are not properly cleaned between clients, you can end up with a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.
- Injuries. An injury to your foot or toes could affect your toes and lead to ingrown toenails.
How Do You Prevent Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails are never fun. Both you and your podiatrist want you to avoid ingrown toenails from happening in the first place. There are several ways to avoid them, including:
- Wear shoes that fit well and aren't too tight
- Don't cut your nails too short
- Cut your nails straight across
- Don't pick at your nails
- Avoid dirty nail salons
- See your podiatrist for regular checkups
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your toe, it could be an ingrown toenail. If you think you have an ingrown toenail, see your podiatrist right away.
To learn more, contact a company like Dr. Christopher H. Peteros, DPM, LLC.
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