24 Oct How to Treat Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are one of the most common foot health issues we see at footinjuryclinic. They are painful, debilitating and making everyday life hard. Ingrown toenails typically affect the big toe and can cause pain, inflammation and even infection if left untreated. An ingrown occurs when the edge of your toenail starts to grow into the skin of your toe, resulting in toes that get inflamed, sore, or even filled with pus.
What causes ingrown toenails
- Not cutting your toenails properly, resulting in a point edge growing in the side of your toe or even cutting your nails too short or leaving them to grow too long.
- Stubbing or injuring your toe may cause the nail to grow abnormally into the side of your toe
- Wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow that puts pressure on your big toe, forcing your nails to grow into the side of your toe.
- Picking or tearing the corners of your toenail.
- Having sweaty feet (especially if you play sport) can make your skin softer and more susceptible to ingrown toenails.
- Being genetically predisposed to have curved toenails.
How to treat ingrown toenails
If your ingrown toenail situation isn’t too far progressed, our podiatrist should be able to trim and cut away the troublesome piece of nail without having to resort to surgery.
However, in more serious cases, our podiatrists will administer a local anaesthetic to remove the offending bit of nail. The procedure is safe and quick – and the relief you feel as you resume your normal life is immense.
Prevention is better than cure
Our podiatrists recommend you follow tips to stop getting ingrown toenails in the first place:
- Always cut your nails straight across the curve of your nail with no no ragged edges
- Wear shoes that fit properly and make sure they are not too tight, especially around your toes
- Keep your feet clean and dry. Give your feet time to “breathe” after a long day in closed footwear or after you play sport.