An ingrown toenail may seem minor at first but can quickly become painful and inflamed. It often starts when the side of the nail presses into the skin, causing swelling or tenderness. This can happen from cutting nails too short, wearing tight shoes, or an injury. Soaking your foot in warm water a few times a day may bring relief. Avoid picking at the nail or digging into the skin, as this can lead to infection. If pain continues or the area looks red and filled with fluid, medical care is often needed. A podiatrist can gently trim or remove the problem part of the nail. In severe or recurring cases, a simple procedure may prevent it from growing inward again. If your toe remains sore or swollen, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for further care.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM of Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 our office located in Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.