Ingrown Toenails

Symtoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail are primarily pain.

The toe is red, painful to the touch and it can be difficult to wear shoes.

If infection is present there may be drainage from the area as well.

Possible Causes

Ingrown toenail is a condition that most commonly affects the Hallux, or "big toe".

This condition usually results when pressure from improper shoeware, and improper care of the toenails, like clipping the corners of the toenails leads to pain and hypertrophy (or overgrowth) of the tissue at the side of the nail.

Treament

Diagnosis is generally easily made on examination. No X-rays or tests are usually required, unless there is a suspicion that the infection may have spread to the bone.

If caught early, non-surgical treatment may suffice. Pressure on the toe should be reduced to a minimum with sandals or simply not wearing a shoe for several days. The temptation to trim the corner of the toenail off should be avoided. This can lead to a worse condition where the toenail forms a" fish hook" deformity that further grows into the nail groove. The goal is to allow the toenail to grow out to the end of the toe beyond the nail groove. Intermittent soaks with a warm saline solution may be suggested. If there is active infection, antibiotics may be necessary to eliminate the infection. Once the condition has resolved, shoewear should be obtained that does not put too much pressure on the big toe.

The nails should be trimmed straight across, and never below the end of the nail groove. Ask your doctor if you need assistance.