Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. Here are some common characteristics of an ingrown toenail:

1. Pain and Discomfort: Ingrown toenails often cause pain, especially when pressure is applied to the affected toe or when wearing shoes. The pain can range from mild to severe.
2. Redness and Swelling: The skin around the ingrown toenail may appear red, swollen, and inflamed due to irritation and pressure from the nail digging into the skin.
3. Tenderness: The affected area may feel tender to the touch, and there may be increased sensitivity around the ingrown toenail.
4. Visible Nail Overgrowth: In some cases, the edge of the toenail may visibly penetrate the surrounding skin, causing a noticeable indentation or even a small wound.
5. Pus or Drainage: If the ingrown toenail becomes infected, there may be pus or drainage present, along with increased pain and swelling. Infection can further exacerbate the symptoms and may require medical attention.
6. Difficulty Walking: Severe cases of ingrown toenails can make it difficult to walk comfortably, as the pressure on the affected toe can cause significant pain and discomfort.

Ingrown toenails can be caused by various factors, including improper nail trimming, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, trauma to the toe, genetic predisposition, and underlying foot conditions such as fungal infections or structural abnormalities. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to complications such as infection or chronic pain.

 

When it comes to ingrown toenails, podiatrists can offer several forms of assistance:

1. Assessment and Diagnosis: Podiatrists can accurately diagnose the severity of the ingrown toenail and determine any underlying causes, such as improper nail trimming, fungal infections, or structural abnormalities.
2. Treatment Options: Depending on the severity of the ingrown toenail, treatment options may include:
   • Conservative measures: This might involve soaking the foot in warm water, gently lifting the ingrown edge of the nail, and placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the nail to encourage it to grow above the skin.
   • Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA): This procedure involves removing a portion of the ingrown toenail under local anesthesia. It can be done in the podiatrist’s office and is relatively quick.
   • Total Nail Avulsion (TNA): In severe cases or when ingrown toenails are recurrent, the entire nail may need to be removed temporarily or permanently.
   • Medication: Podiatrists may prescribe antibiotics if there is an infection present, or antifungal medications if a fungal infection is contributing to the ingrown toenail.
3. Education and Preventive Measures: Podiatrists can educate patients on proper nail care techniques to prevent ingrown toenails from recurring. This may include guidance on how to trim nails correctly, the importance of wearing well-fitted footwear, and strategies to maintain good foot hygiene.
4. Orthotic Devices: In cases where structural abnormalities contribute to ingrown toenails, podiatrists can provide custom orthotic devices or recommend appropriate footwear to alleviate pressure on the toes and prevent recurrence.
5. Surgical Intervention: In rare and severe cases where conservative measures have failed, podiatrists may perform surgical procedures to correct the underlying issue causing the ingrown toenail.

Overall, seeking the expertise of a podiatrist for ingrown toenails can lead to proper diagnosis, effective treatment, and preventive measures to ensure long-term foot health. If you would like more information or to book in to see one of our podiatrists, please contact us on 07 3888 6699.