Halton Foot & Orthotic Clinic
  • Home
  • Services
  • OUR OFFICE
  • For Patients
  • Contact
  • PATIENT EDUCATION
  • Useful Resources

INGROWN NAILS

Picture
Picture

What Are Ingrown Toenails
- Most common nail impairment.
- Nail corners/sides of the nails abnormally curve and dig into the soft tissue of the nail grooves causing pain.
- Although the smaller toes can be affected, more commonly seen in the big toenail. 


Causes
  • Tight-fitting shoes or socks that put pressure on the toes
  • Improper trimming of toenails (cutting them too short or rounding the edges)
  • Injury to the toenail or toe
  • Certain foot shapes, such as curled toes or high arches
  • Fungal nail infections
  • Genetics
  • Recurring trauma to the feet from activities 

Symptoms
  • Pain and tenderness around the affected nail
  • Swelling, redness, and warmth in the surrounding skin
  • Buildup of fluid or pus in the area
  • Overgrowth of skin around the nail

When To Visit A Foot Specialist
- If any of the following symptoms above are present and no improvements are noted with home treatments. 
- Individuals with poor circulation, diabetes, etc., seek immediate treatment as soon as symptoms become present. 


What Can I Expect During The Visit
- Physical examination of the lower limbs. ​
- Non-surgical or surgical removal of the ingrown portion of the nail (depending on severity).
- Permanent correction of the ingrown portion of the nail to prevent recurrence. 
- Prescription of topical / oral medications to treat infection.


Prevention
- Trim nails straight across making sure nails are not longer than the toe tip. 
- Do not round or dig into the corners with a nail file or any other device. 
- Wear shoes that have wide and deep toe boxes to accommodate your foot properly. 
- Never rip or tear nail edges. 
Contact Us
Copyright © 2019
  • Home
  • Services
  • OUR OFFICE
  • For Patients
  • Contact
  • PATIENT EDUCATION
  • Useful Resources