Are you experiencing pain, swelling on your toenail, and wondering what to do about it? These might be signs of an ingrown toenail. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This often happens to the big toe, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. The nail edge pierces the skin and continues to dig deeper as it grows, leading to irritation, inflammation, and discomfort. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can worsen over time and potentially lead to a serious infection.

The most common cause of an ingrown toenail is improper nail trimming. Cutting the nails too short encourages the edges to dig into the skin as they grow out. Wearing tight shoes or socks can also force the nail edges to press into the toes. People with curved or thickened nails are at a higher risk of developing ingrown toenails. The big toe is particularly susceptible due to the amount of pressure placed on it during walking and other activities. While an ingrown toenail is not medically dangerous on its own, it can become incredibly painful and interfere with daily functioning. Catching it early and using proper treatment is key to alleviating symptoms and avoiding complications.

 Causes and Risk Factors

Ingrown toenails develop for a variety of reasons:

• Tight shoes/socks – Wearing shoes or socks that are too tight puts pressure on the sides of the nails, forcing them to cut into the soft tissue of the surrounding toes. Ill-fitting shoes are a frequent cause of ingrown toenails, especially in kids and teens.
• Improper nail trimming – Cutting your toenails too short increases the risk of ingrowth because the corners of the nail can more easily pierce the toe. Cutting into the corners also encourages them to grow into the surrounding skin. The best technique is to trim nails straight across, in line with the tip of the toe.
• Injury to nail – Trauma from stubbing a toe, having a toe stepped on, or dropping something on a nail can trigger an ingrown toenail. The impact bends and deforms the nail, causing it to become misshapen and dig into the toe.
• Fungal nail infections – Candida, and other fungal infections can cause the nail to thicken, distorting its shape. As the infected nail changes shape, it can begin growing into the skin. Treating the fungal infection is important to prevent recurrences.
• Genetics/heredity – Some people are simply prone to developing ingrown nails due to the shape and structure of their nails and toes. Ingrown toenails can run in families.

Symptoms

An ingrown toenail causes noticeable symptoms in the affected toe. The most common symptoms include:

• Pain and discomfort – An ingrown nail usually causes significant pain and discomfort in the toe. Pain often occurs along the side of the nail as the nail edge digs into the skin. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe throbbing pain that disrupts sleep and daily activities.
• Redness and swelling – The area around the ingrown nail often becomes inflamed, turning red and swollen. The swelling occurs as the skin reacts to the irritation. The redness and swelling are usually centered along the side of the nail.
• Drainage of pus- If the area around the ingrown nail gets infected, it may begin oozing pus. The pus is a sign that bacteria have entered through the open wound created by the nail edge. Pus drainage signals that antibiotics may be needed.
• Difficulty walking – As the pain and inflammation worsens, it can become very difficult to walk or wear closed-toe shoes. Any pressure against the affected toe causes significant discomfort. Walking may require limping or avoiding putting full weight on the toe.

The severity of symptoms depends on how advanced the ingrown nail is. Mild cases cause minor discomfort, while severe cases can cause intense pain, infection, and impaired mobility. Seeking prompt treatment helps prevent the worsening of symptoms.

If you experience any other foot problem, visit our podiatry clinic in Brooklyn, where professionals examine your foot and treat it accordingly so that your foot gets better as soon as possible. For more tips on healthy feet, or if you need help with finding a good podiatrist, Doral Health & Wellness employs Podiatrists with extensive education and expertise. Trauma to the tendons, muscles, and bones of the foot is quite common. It’s not a good idea to put off seeing a Foot Doctor Brooklyn until you’re in a lot of pain. Our address is 1797 Pitkin Avenue, New York, NY 11212. To make an appointment, please call +1-347-384-5690 or send an email to info@podiatristsbrooklyn.com.