What are ingrown nails?
Ingrown toenails are the most commonly treated nail conditions seen in our clinics. The term "ingrown toenail" is often used to describe a number of problems that lead to pain and discomfort around the nails despite the fact that in many cases, the nail does not actually "grow" in to the skin around it. These problems most commonly occur on the big toe, however, smaller toes can also be affected.
What causes pain around the nails?
- Improper cutting. A True ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) is where a small nail spike pierces the skin leading to pain and infection. This normally occurs at the tip of the nail along the sides when a spike in the nail is left from improper nail cutting techniques or trauma. Nails should be cut along the contour of the toe or straight across with rough edges filed so that no spikes are left on the edges where possible. Nails should only ever be cut down the side by a professional. - Poor fitting footwear. Tight shoes restrict room for nail growth and can cause micro trauma which can lead to ingrown nails. - Involuted nails/Incurvated nails. Sometimes nail edges curve into the skin either due to trauma, changes in the bone under the nail or a congenital disorder. - "Chubby toes". People with chubby toes will find the skin at the sides of the toe, is more likely to be traumatized or pierced by the nail as it grows. - Flat Feet can lead to feet turning outwards when walking causing the weight of the body to "roll over the side of the big toe instead of propelling straight over the top. This can lead to compression of the toes and can lead to an ingrown toe nail. The forces that lead to these ingrown nails are often seen in conjunction with callus on the side of the big toe. - Corns, callus, and dry skin down the sides of the nail (onychophosis) can lead to extra pressure and cause pain and even infection. - Genetic. Sometimes the shape of the nails that we have inherited from our parents can put us at a higher risk of developing ingrown toenails such as wider nail plates, "chubby toes", or nails that curl around. - Trauma. Either an acute injury near the nail or anything that causes the nail to be damaged repetitively (such as playing soccer) can also cause an ingrown nail. Common traumas include: once off occurrences such as dropping a brick on your toe; or continual micro trauma such as lots of little knocks from activities such as running, sports or wearing pointy toed shoes |
|
Contact Us |
Services |
Foot Conditions |
|