What Are Ingrown Toenails?

An ingrown toenail is pain and/or inflammation due to the nail growing into the skin.  An infection may or may not be present.  Known causes of ingrown nails are as follows:

• Improper trimming (bathroom surgery)
• Self treatment with over-the-counter medications
• Hereditary nail deformities
• Fungal infections
• Improper footwear including shoes, hosiery and elastic stockings
• Trauma
• Bunion deformity causing pressure against the 2nd toe
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Repetitive pressure from athletic or work activities

Treatment

At Entire Podiatry we are specialists in ingrown toenail treatment.  Usually the symptoms resolve very quickly after the offending nail is removed. The offending nail is removed by trimming the nail corner or in some cases removing the edge of the nail back to the cuticle.  When needed a local anaesthetic is used to lessen the discomfort.

How Should I Treat My Toenail Before I See My Podiatrist?

Soak in a dilute solution of warm water and epsom salts; you can follow the directions on the box of Epsom Salts or add enough until it starts to collect on the bottom of the bowl. Soak for 10-15 minutes 1-2 times a day.  Keep the area covered with a band aid during the day and when you shower to keep dirt out of the area.

What If My Ingrown Nail Is A Recurrent Problem?

Usually, if your nail becomes ingrown more than a couple of times a year or is a recurrent problem a permanent removal of the nail or nail bed is required.
Most cases only require permanent removal of the portion of the nail that is ingrown - the rest of your nail is unchanged.

The procedure itself is simple and patients generally return to normal activities very quickly after surgery. A vast majority of patients have significant improvement and are able to return to normal activities without having to worry about recurrent ingrown nails.

If you, a friend, or a family member suffer from ingrown toenails, don’t wait to get treated.  At Entire Podiatry treating them can be quick and easy.  Call one of our clinics and make an appointment.