Ingrown toenails can be painful, which is why it is important that you deal with them as soon as possible. Irritation from ingrown toenails usually occurs when the nail itself grows into the skin that surrounds it. It is more common for ingrown toenails to develop on the big toe compared to other smaller toes. The most common cause for this ailment is trimming the toenail improperly. If you cut your toenail too short, your skin may grow over the nail, and as the nail grows, it may grow into the skin. Another common cause for ingrown toenails is wearing shoes or socks that are too tight, this is because doing so adds pressure to the skin around the toenail and pushes it against the sharp edge of the nail.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Harold Sterling of Michigan. 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 Lansing, MI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.