What is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail, medically known as onychocryptosis, occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This often leads to pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Ingrown toenails most commonly affect the big toe, but can occur on any toenail. While anyone can develop an ingrown toenail, certain factors increase the likelihood, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes, improper toenail trimming, or suffering foot trauma.
Some common causes of ingrown toenails include:
- Improper toenail trimming: Cutting toenails too short or cutting too far down the corners can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
- Tight footwear: Shoes (or even socks) that squeeze the toes together, such as narrow shoes and some high heels, put pressure on the nails, causing them to push into the skin.
- Foot trauma: Stubbing your toe or injuring the nail can change its growth pattern,
potentially leading to thickening or curling of the nails. Acute trauma may crack the nail, leaving a little spike that could become ingrown.
- Genetics: Unfortunately the shape of some people’s nails increases the likelihood of developing ingrown nails. This can include curved nails, thickened nails or nails that sit too wide for the nail bed. All of these nail shapes can make them more prone to developing ingrown toenails.
- Poor foot hygiene: Allowing dirt and sweat to accumulate can lead to infections, which worsen the pain and swelling caused by ingrown toenails.
While home remedies can sometimes alleviate symptoms, severe cases often require professional care. Left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to nasty infections, even spreading deeper into the foot or bloodstream, making it crucial to address them promptly.
Why You Should See a Podiatrist for Ingrown Toenail Treatment
An ingrown toenail may seem like a minor issue, but if left untreated, it can lead to complications, especially if an infection develops. This is where seeking professional help becomes essential. A podiatrist is a specialist trained in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the feet, including ingrown toenails. They can provide not only relief from discomfort but also long-term solutions to prevent the issue from recurring.
You should consider visiting a podiatrist for ingrown toenail treatment if:
- The nail is causing significant pain, swelling, or bleeding.
- You suspect an infection (indicated by redness, pus, or warmth around the toe).
- You have diabetes, poor circulation, or a compromised immune system. These conditions increase the risk of complications.
- Home remedies have not been effective, and the ingrown toenail persists or worsens.
Podiatrists have access to specialised tools and are trained in techniques for treating ingrown toenails efficiently and safely. They can also assess the underlying causes of your ingrown toenail and provide tailored advice on how to prevent future occurrences. If required, your podiatrist can perform a small surgical procedure to permanently remove the edge of the nail and prevent any further ingrown nails. Moreover, podiatrists can identify if there are structural or functional abnormalities in your feet contributing to the problem, such as flat feet or hammertoes, and recommend further treatments to correct them.
How a Podiatrist Treats Ingrown Toenails
When you visit a podiatrist for ingrown toenail treatment, the first step is a thorough assessment of the affected area. Depending on the severity of the ingrown toenail, a podiatrist will offer one or more of the following treatment options:
- Conservative care: For mild cases, the podiatrist may lift the nail slightly, clear any hard callused skin from the edge of the nail and place a soft cotton splint under the edge of the nail to reduce pressure on the skin and help it grow out. This method can relieve pressure and pain while encouraging the nail to grow in the correct direction.
- Trimming the nail: Using sterilised instruments, the podiatrist will carefully trim the ingrown portion of the nail. This is a quick and often painless procedure, though local anaesthesia can be used if the nail is deeply embedded in the skin.
- Partial nail avulsion: If the ingrown toenail is recurrent or severe, a podiatrist might remove a portion of the nail. This minor surgery involves numbing the toe with local anaesthesia before removing the ingrown section. The area is then treated with a chemical to prevent the nail edge regrowing and managed to ensure appropriate healing.
- Total nail removal: In rare instances, the entire nail may need to be removed. While this may sound drastic, it's sometimes necessary to prevent ongoing problems. Depending on the cause of the ingrown nail, it may be left to regrow, but your podiatrist can also perform a procedure to prevent regrowth if needed.
- Infection management: If a severe infection has developed, the podiatrist may advise to seek antibiotics from your GP. Typically removal of the ingrown nail edge is enough to resolve the infection however this can will be discussed at your appointment. They will also advise on proper wound care at home to ensure quick healing.
One of the main advantages of seeing a podiatrist for ingrown toenail treatment is their ability to carefully and gently remove the ingrown edge of nail. This reduces pain, speeds up recovery, and minimises the risk of recurrence. Whether through conservative management or surgical intervention, a podiatrist will provide the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Preventing Ingrown Toenails: Tips from a Podiatrist
Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to recurring ingrown toenails. Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Here are some expert tips from a podiatrist for ingrown toenail prevention:
- Trim your toenails properly: Always cut your toenails straight across rather than cutting down the edges. A file can then be gently used to smooth the corners if required. This prevents the nail from growing into the surrounding skin. Keep the nails at a moderate length—neither too short nor too long.
- Wear properly fitting shoes: Tight shoes, especially those that squeeze your toes, can encourage ingrown toenails. Choose footwear that provides enough room for your toes to move comfortably.
- Maintain good foot hygiene: Wash your feet daily and keep them dry to prevent infections that can worsen an ingrown toenail. This includes drying between toes after showering and changing socks at least daily (or more often if you have very sweaty feet). Regularly inspect your feet for signs of pressure or abnormal nail growth.
- Try to avoid trauma to the feet: If you play sports or are active, ensure footwear is protective and appropriate for these activities. This includes the correct fit, both length and width to ensure your toes have enough room even when running and direction changing during activities..
- Moisturise your feet: Pressure from the nails can increase the development of hard, dry skin beside the nail. This can build-up can lead to pain, swelling and an ingrown nail. Regularly moisturise your nails and feet, our recommendation is Revive Daily.
- Use orthotics if necessary: The position of your foot in walking and standing can increase the pressure on the nail edges. Depending on your foot position, your podiatrist may recommend custom foot orthotics to reduce this pressure and prevent surgical interventions for your ingrown nails.
By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing an ingrown toenail. If you're prone to them, especially due to genetic factors or foot abnormalities, consulting a podiatrist regularly can help catch the problem early.
When to Contact My Family Podiatry for Professional Care
While many ingrown toenails can be managed at home, it's crucial to know when to seek professional care.
You should contact My Family Podiatry if:
- You experience persistent pain or swelling that doesn't improve with home care.
- You notice signs of infection, such as redness, pus, or warmth in the area.
- You have diabetes or circulation problems, which increase your risk of complications.
- The ingrown toenail keeps recurring despite your best efforts at prevention.
At My Family Podiatry, our experienced podiatrists are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for all types of foot issues, including ingrown toenails. We offer effective treatments tailored to your needs, ensuring long-term relief and comfort. Don't let an ingrown toenail affect your quality of life—book an appointment today to receive the expert care you deserve. Call the team on 07 3088 6116 or click the button below to book and appointment online.
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