Inward-Growing Toenails

A toenail that becomes ingrown means that the corner of the nail grows into the soft flesh, causing pain, swelling, and, sometimes, infection. The big toe is most commonly affected by ingrown toenails.

It is possible to treat ingrown toenails yourself if they are not too painful, but if they spread or are severe, you should seek medical attention.

Diabetics and people who suffer from other conditions that lessen blood flow to the feet are more likely to suffer from ingrown toenails.

Indications

The following symptoms can be associated with an ingrown toenail:

Anxiety and pain
Skin inflammation
Inflammation
Ailment

Seeing a doctor when it's time

Consult your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Inflammation or pus infecting your toe, causing severe discomfort
Diabetics or other health conditions that cause poor blood flow to the feet may experience foot sores or infections

Factors that cause

Toenail ingrown can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Toenail crowding due to wearing shoes
Shortening or not straightening toenails
An injury to the toe
An extremely curved toenail
Infections of the nails
Diseases and conditions

The factors that increase the risk

Ingrown toenails are caused by a variety of factors, including:

In adolescence, the nails and skin are softer due to increased perspiration
When you cut your nails too short or round the corners of your nails, you are encouraging the nail to grow into your skin
Nail care becomes more difficult when you have a reduced ability to do so
Constraints on the toes caused by shoes
The risk of injury to your toes comes from running and kicking
Poor blood flow is caused by conditions such as diabetes

Problems

A cut, scrape, corn, callus, or ingrown toenail can become infected if you have diabetes, which can cause damage to the nerves in the feet. Diabetes can also cause poor blood flow, which makes a minor foot injury more likely to become infected.

Taking preventative measures

Ingrown toenails can be prevented by following these steps:

When getting a pedicure, ask the person doing it to trim your nails straight across rather than curving them to match the shape of your toe. If you can't trim your nails, visit a podiatrist regularly to get them trimmed if you have a condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet.
It is recommended that you trim your toenails so they are even with the tips of your toes. If your toenails are cut too short, the pressure from your shoes may cause the nail to grow into the soft tissues of your toes.
It is important to wear shoes that fit properly. If you have nerve damage in your feet, you may not be able to feel if your shoes are too tight. Shoes that pinch your toes may cause a nail to grow into surrounding tissue.
Protect your toes. Use steel-toed footwear if your activities could result in toe injuries.
Keep an eye on your feet, especially if you have diabetes. Ingrown toenails and other issues can occur on your feet.

You can contact our office at 949-588-8833, or visit our website at https://www.ocfootdoctor.com. Our offices are in Laguna Hills, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, and Costa Mesa.

📲 949-588-8833

🏢 24331 El Toro Rd, Suite 370 Laguna Woods CA 92637

🏢Irvine Medical Arts Building 113 Waterworks Way, Suite 250 Irvine, CA 92618

🌐 https://www.ocfootdoctor.com/

The information contained above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professionals before starting any new treatment. Health information on this website MUST NOT be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of your doctor.