Toenail health is not a topic that people tend to mention in everyday life. Although this issue can seem taboo, it is important to make sure that our bodies are functioning properly and that we do not hesitate when we feel something is off to speak with trained professionals. An ingrown toenail is when the edge of your fingernail or toenail grows into the skin next to it. The most common cause is when nails are trimmed too short. At Beyond Podiatry, we specialize in the health and wellness of your feet.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
There are a number of reasons why you may be experiencing this problem. Wearing shoes that are ill-fitting may cause stress on your toenail causing it to break off and chip. Your nail bed may also become weakened when you cut your toenail too short exposing the skin underneath the bed of the nail. This will cause your nail to grow back crooked or rounded and may lead to the nail growing towards the skin, instead of up and out. Although this may not cause you pain right away, there is a high chance of discomfort and possible infection if left untreated.
Signs of an Ingrown Toenail
While any one of your toenails can become ingrown, this condition tends to affect your big toe most commonly. No matter how minor or how severe your ingrown toenail may seem, it is important to speak with your doctor to make sure that your nail bed is healthy and in good shape. Signs and symptoms of this issue can vary from mild to severe, depending on how ingrown your toenail becomes. Your ingrown toenail can lead to:
- Redness or swelling
- Pain and inflammation
- Oozing and draining
How To Treat an Ingrown Toenail
If you have a minor ingrown toenail, you might just need a simple splint. Placing a temporary splint under your toenail can encourage your nail to grow up and over your nail bed. If your condition is more severe, your podiatrist may suggest a surgical option to help the prevention of it from happening again. The Beyond Podiatry team treats your underlying nail bed with a chemical solution or medical laser to stop the nail from growing back. This is typically a last resort for those who suffer from chronic ingrown toenails.
