Ingrown / Involuted / Painful Nails

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Ingrown nails can be a painful and unsightly condition caused by a variety of factors.

Any side of any toe can be affected, however generally it is the big toe nails that are the culprit.

There are several mechanisms for an ingrown nail to occur and frequently these are:

  • Ill fitting shoes
  • Incorrect cutting technique
  • Poor range of movement through the big toe joint
  • Trauma
  • Very wide nail shape
  • Fungal infection
  • Psoriasais
  • Sweaty teenage feet
  • Nail biting/tearing

Nails can either be Involuted (curled) or Ingrown (piercing the skin). Both of these issues can cause a lot of pain and can keep you off your feet or out of shoes.  The edges or corners of the nail grow into the skin, making the area tender, sore, and can often cause redness and bleeding.

It is important to seek professional assistance if you think you have an ingrown toenail or experience any foot-related pain. Incorrect treatment can damage the toenail and cause infections, only worsening pain and leading to more complicated treatments.

Treatment for ingrown toenails by a podiatrist may consist of:

  • Conservative management – Removal of portion of problematic nail edge and surrounding hard skin.
  • Minor nail surgery
  • Nail packing
  • Nail bracing
  • Routine care

Don’t do bathroom surgery or keep picking at your toe hoping it will go away. Come in and see our friendly team and let us help you find your feet.

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