Causes of ingrown toenails

Ingrown Toenails

So what exactly are ingrown toenails?  An ingrown toenail is a common condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the flesh resulting in pain and even in some cases infection.  Contact your doctor today if signs of an infection are present.

Ingrown toenails often are the result of trimming your toenails too short, particularly on the sides of your big toes.

While they are common, ingrown toenails can be painful. When trimming your nails, avoid tapering the corners so that the nail curves with the shape of your toe. The sides of the nail will curl down and dig into your skin. Shoes that are too tight or short also may cause ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails start out hard, swollen and tender, and later, may become sore, red, and infected. Your skin may start to grow over the ingrown toenail.

Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if an infection is present. Part of your ingrown toenail (partial nail plate avulsion) may need to be surgically removed if an acute infection occurs. The procedure involves injecting the toe with an anesthetic and cutting out the ingrown part of the toenail.

Contact Our Foot Specialists Today

If you have ingrown toenail symptoms, please contact our office today at 248.258.0001 to schedule an appointment. Insurance companies cover most foot treatments.

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