Ingrown Toenail | Causes and Treatment

What is Ingrown Toenail (IGTN)?

An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the corner or side of your toenail grows into the soft flesh. This can happen to anyone, but it’s most common in teenagers and young adults. IGTN can be caused by several things, such as wearing shoes that don’t fit well, not trimming your toenails properly, or having a foot injury. If you have IGTN, you may feel pain, redness, and swelling around your toenail. You may also have drainage from the affected area. If not treated, IGTN can lead to a serious infection.

Causes of ingrown toenail

There are many possible causes of ingrown toenails, but the most common is improper nail trimming. Other causes include:

1. Wearing shoes that fit poorly or are too tight
2. Having a foot injury
3. having sweaty feet
4. Having diabetes or another medical condition that causes poor blood circulation
5. Having extremely curved toenails

Symptoms of Ingrown toenail

The most common symptom of an ingrown toenail is pain. You may also have:

1. Redness and swelling around your toenail
2. Pus or drainage from the affected area
3. A bad odour coming from your toe

If you have any of these symptoms, see your podiatrist or doctor right away.

Treatment for ingrown nails

Your podiatrist (Rahmat Ansari) has a special interest in ingrown toenail treatment and can treat IGTN with a simple in-office procedure. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and reduce swelling. In some cases, your podiatrist may also need to remove part of the nail. If you have a severe infection, you may need antibiotics.

How we help with ingrown toenails

If you have IGTN, the first step is to see your podiatrist (Rahmat Ansari). He will examine your toe and may take X-rays to rule out other conditions. Once you have been assessed and diagnosed with IGTN, he will develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. Treatment options include:

1. Cutting or removing the ingrown portion of the nail.
2. Numbing the toe and removing the ingrown portion of the nail.
3. Numbing the toe, removing the ingrown portion of the nail and applying acid to prevent part of the nail from growing back again.
4. Placing a special splint on the toe to help the nail grow properly

After treatment, your podiatrist will give you instructions on how to care for your toe. Your podiatrist at Adelaide Physio and Podiatry Clinic will also schedule regular follow-up appointments to assist in the healing process.

Prevention of ingrown nails

The best way to prevent IGTN is to trim your toenails properly. Here are some tips:

– Cut your toenails straight across, not down the sides.

– Follow the natural curve of your toenail.

– Wear shoes that fit well and don’t cramp your toes.

– Don’t go barefoot, even at home.

– Protect your feet from injury.

Frequently asked questions about ingrown toenails

1. How should I cut my toenails correctly?

To avoid getting ingrown toenails, it is important to cut your toenails correctly. Here are some tips:

– Cut your toenails straight across, not down the sides.

– Follow the natural curve of your toenail.

2. Does footwear matter with ingrown toenails?

The best way to protect your feet from injury is to wear shoes that fit well and support your feet. Wearing shoes that fit well and don’t cramp your toes is the best way to prevent ingrown toenails. Avoid going barefoot, even at home.

3. Who should I see to fix my ingrown toenail?

If you are experiencing pain from an ingrown toenail, our podiatrist (Rahmat Ansari) at Adelaide Physio and Podiatry is a qualified professional trained to treat ingrown toenails along with other foot pain disorders. We can provide you with the treatment you need to relieve your symptoms and help your nail grow properly. Book online or call us today to book an appointment.