Geelong Podiatrist Sheshna Rai discusses the main causes for an ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail (referred to as onychocryptosis), is where the side of the toenail grows/digs into the skin of the toe. Quite often cases of ingrown toenails present with considerable swelling, redness, pain and infection.
Very rarely will an ingrown toenail resolve on its own without intervention by our team of Podiatrists. At home remedies offer minor pain-relief to the symptoms, however do not treat the active causative factor (being the nail that is growing into the skin).
In some cases treatment can be as simple as our Podiatrist removing the offending nail edge. More often than not however there are likely other factors that need to be addressed/managed to prevent the recurrence of the ingrown toenail.
Possible causes for you ingrown toenail
Incorrect nail cutting/trimming
Quite often people who cut their own nails use the wrong technique. Often they are cut too short, a small nail spike may have been left, or perhaps the nails are picked at leaving jagged edges (I have found this is often the case in teenagers and younger populations).
Foot/Toe trauma
When there is direct trauma to the toe (whether it be via stubbing the toe, kicking a ball, dropping something on the toe ect.), there is a possibility this will result in the nail ‘puncturing’ or digging into the skin fold of the nail excessively. Given that our feet can become sweaty and are typically in shoes for most of the day, this can be a perfect environment for bacteria to form and an infection to arise.
Tight and ill fitting footwear
Persistent pressure from tight fitting/pointed/heeled shoes can lead to an ingrown toenail developing. The prolonged pressure from the fleshy part on the side of your toe pushing into the nail itself can slowly lead to an ingrown nail and infection.
Foot biomechanics
The way someone walks or the structure of someone’s foot may put them more at risk of developing ingrown toenails. If there is a bunion or hammer toes present, or if someone has the tendency to push off through the inside of their foot while they’re walking there may be a heightened chance of developing an ingrown toenail.
Genetics
Genetics play a large role in determining how our nails will grow. Be it the width, curvature, thickness, direction etc. Some people are born with nails that have a pronounced curve as they grow out, causing them to dig into the skin around the nail more severely.
Treating your ingrown toenail
Our team of expert podiatrists at Prosper Podiatry – Home of the Geelong Ingrown Toenail Clinic have a depth of experience in treating ingrown toenails of all severities. We offer both surgical and non-surgical treatment options for all our patients to achieve the best outcomes possible. We have dedicated appointments set aside during the week to assess and treat anyone suffering from an ingrown toenail.
What to do from here
To book an appointment to have your in-grown toenail assessed and treated by one of our expert Podiatrists, simply head over to our website at – www.prosperpodiatry.com.au
Or call us on 5290 5238
