If you have ever experienced an ingrown toenail, you may be familiar the pain and discomfort it may cause. It is defined as the result of the nail pushing into the skin as the growth process occurs. Many patients notice obvious symptoms that may accompany this condition, including swelling, redness and tenderness in the area surrounding the nail. Research has shown there may be several reasons why ingrown toenails may develop. These may consist of improperly trimming the toenails, wearing shoes and socks that may be too tight, or having a predisposed genetic trait. Moderate relief may be found in soaking the nail several times throughout the day, and this may ease the inflammation. If you have developed this ailment, it is important to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly extract an ingrown toenail.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Scott Shrem of Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hazlet, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.