Toenails are among the most neglected external body parts. They may receive a little care monthly, but in many instances, toenails are ignored unless something goes wrong. When a toenail becomes painful, the usual suspect is an ingrown toenail, and a doctor should be called to correct the problem.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a painful condition that results when the edges of the toenail begin to penetrate or grow into the flesh of the toe. Traditionally, the big toe is the most common place for an ingrown toenail to occur.
Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail
The symptoms of an ingrown toenail are obvious in their manifestation. Once the nail pierces the soft, fleshy skin, the symptoms appear. These include:
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Infection – frequently but not always
These result in an excruciating sensation that does not cease until an ingrown-toenail doctor examines the problem and provides the appropriate treatment.
What Are the Main Causes of Ingrown Toenails?
According to orthopaedic doctors, ingrown toenails can result from various causal factors. These include, but are not limited, to:
- Improper trimming: The individual fails to trim the toenails properly. They cut them too short or unevenly
- Ill-fitting footwear: People who wear shoes that do not fit properly–particularly shoes that are too tight or narrow, cram the toes too closely together at the front of the shoe. This can crowd the toes and their nails providing the conditions for producing ingrown toenails
- Toenail injuries: Injuries can result in ingrown toenails
- Hereditary: The propensity for ingrown toenails can be hereditary
Several of these conditions are beyond your control, while others you can address daily to prevent the condition from occurring. You can always reduce the risk by making sure your shoes and other footwear fit properly. Another simple preventive measure is to trim your toenails properly and with regularity.
Seeing an Ingrown-Toenail Doctor
Sometimes, you can treat the problem at home. But if the condition is too serious, then you may have no choice but to seek out formal medical help, especially if you fall into the following categories:
- You suffer from diabetes.
- You have been diagnosed with nerve damage to your ankle, foot or leg.
- You suffer from poor blood circulation.
- You are aware the area around and under the nail has become infected.
- If the problem is a recurring one.
In such situations, you can consider suffering, thus creating further medical problems, or going to the offices of a qualified and professional ingrown-toenail doctor to receive treatment.
For more than 25 years, Suburban Orthopedics has worked hard to provide high-quality orthopaedic care to our patients. Our staff and physicians are devoted to ensuring our patients receive only the best and most comprehensive in health care. To learn more about our services, contact our excellent customer service at www.suburbanortho.com. You can also connect with them on Facebook for more updates!
