An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort and inflammation. Common causes include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury, or naturally curved nails. Symptoms often involve redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes infection. Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, repetitive pressure on the toes, and underlying medical conditions like diabetes. A podiatrist can provide safe and effective treatments, which may include proper nail care, infection management, or corrective procedures to prevent recurrence. Professional care not only relieves pain but also reduces the chance of complications. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include minor surgery to remove part or all of the nail.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact David Carmack, DPM of Texas. Our doctor 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 Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.