Patients who have experienced an ingrown toenail are often aware of the discomfort this condition may cause. If you have an ingrown toenail, you will notice the nail grows into the side of the skin surrounding the toenail, and may become red and swollen. It is an ailment that is caused by possibly trimming the toenails incorrectly, or it may come from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. In severe cases, there can be a discharge coming from the impacted nail, and it may become infected. Mild relief may be found when the nail is soaked in warm water, as this may soften the skin enough to insert a small piece of cotton between the skin and the nail. It is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist if you are afflicted with an ingrown toenail.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. 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 one of our offices located in Metropolis and Eldorado, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.