
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition is commonly caused by improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury, or inherited nail shape. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, and sometimes drainage or pus around the nail. Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, curved toenails, and repeated pressure on the toes. A chiropodist can assess the severity, provide relief through gentle nail care or minor procedures, and offer advice on preventing recurrence. If you notice signs of an ingrown toenail, do not ignore the discomfort. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist to treat the problem early and protect your foot health from complications.
Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.
Symptoms
The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:
Pain
Swelling
Redness
Warmth
Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail.
Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.