Ingrown toenails are nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the soft tissue of nail grooves, often leading to irritation, redness and swelling.

Toenails usually grow straight out. However, sometimes one or both corners or sides curve and grow into the flesh. The big toe is the most likely victim, but other toes can also become affected.

Ingrown toenails may be caused by:

• Improperly trimmed nails. Trim the straight across, no longer than the tip of the toes. Do not round off corners. Use toenail clippers.
• Heredity
• Shoe pressure and crowding of toes
• Repeated trauma to the feet due to normal activities.

If you suspect an infection, immerse the foot in a warm salt water soak. Then apply antiseptic and bandage the area.

People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or other circulatory disorders must avoid any form of self-treatment and seek podiatric medical care as soon as possible. Other do-it-yourself treatments, including any attempt to remove any part of the infected nail or the use of over-the-counter medications, should be avoided.

Nail problems should be evaluated and treated by your podiatrist, who can diagnose the condition and treat it appropriately. He or she will remove the ingrown portion of the nail and prescribe a topical or oral mediation to treat the infection. If ingrown nails are a chronic problem, your podiatrist can perform a procedure to permanently prevent ingrown nails.

Contact the Physicians of Arkansas Foot & Ankle Clinic for treatment of ingrown toenails and other foot problems.

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