Ingrown toenails cause swelling, redness, oozing, and intense pain and let microbes like bacteria and fungi get under the toenail or into the bloodstream, causing infections. Ingrown toenails can often lead to a fungal toenail infection with the horrible odor that often includes. For any toenail problems you are having, see your foot doctor for help to avoid complications. There are 3 reasons for having ingrown toenails.
3 of the most common reasons for having an ingrown toenail include:
- Incorrect toenail cutting method—This is by far one of the major causes of an ingrown toenail. When you cut your toenails too short and too close to the toes, it can allow the toenail’s edge to get started growing into the tender skin. Keep them a little long and cut almost straight across.
- Toe or foot injury—Injuring your foot or toe from stubbing is a frequent cause of ingrown toenails starting. A foot or toe fracture can also contribute to the formation of ingrown toenails.
- Wearing poorly fitting shoes that are too tight—Avoid wearing tightly fitting shoes like high heels that scrunch your toes together. Wear properly fitted shoes with a wide toe box to allow your toes to move without rubbing and pressure.
If you are suffering from the pain and discomfort of ingrown toenails, be sure to make an appointment with your foot doctor for relief. At Your Next Step, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience, to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including sports injuries, joint pain, toe deformities, nail fungus, chronic tendon pain, and skin problems. Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen provide high-quality foot and ankle care to patients in the greater Philadelphia area at our offices conveniently located in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown, PA. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.