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What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin tissue. This causes pain, redness and sometimes inflammation. The condition is common on the big toe and can be caused by improper nail trimming, pressure from shoes, hereditary predisposition or repeated injury.
Complaints
An ingrown toenail can lead to:
- Pain and pressure on the side of the nail
- Redness, swelling or inflammation around the nail
- Difficulty wearing shoes
- Sometimes pus formation or infection in severe ingrowths
What can a podiatrist do?
A podiatrist can help treat the nail safely and prevent further problems:
- Professional ingrown nail edge removal or pressure relief application
- Changing the direction of nail growth with and nail brace
- Advice on proper nail care and cutting technique
- Treatment of inflammation or skin problems around the nail
- Advice on shoes and possibly orthoses to reduce pressure
Recovery
Restoration focuses on pain reduction, healing of the nail bed and prevention of recurrent ingrowth. Professional treatment, proper nail care and pressure relief allow the nail to grow normally again, effectively reducing symptoms.