Understanding The Causes Of Ingrown Toenails
Toenails that are ingrown are generally curved nails that grow into the skin around the edges. The extent and causes of ingrown toenails can vary to a large extent, but you can pinpoint the initial cause when looking back in hindsight. In general, slight curvature of the nail may not result in much pain, but a significant curvature can cause swelling, redness, pain and possibly infection. In some cases this condition can make it difficult to even walk.
Some people have a genetic predisposition to developing ingrown toenails and the issue can start early in life. Usually, in the case of ingrown toenails the skin becomes inflamed and as the swollen skin covers the nail, the nail edges get covered. The nail corners can break thru the skin, causing an opening in the skin and potential for infection.
In other cases, blunt trauma to the area can be the cause of this problem, which is unknown to most. Dropping something on one of your toes, even of relatively light object, can cause inflammation to the skin and nail. As the nail grows the condition can worsen.
Tight fitting shoes can cause unnecessary rubbing against the toes and also force the nail edges to twist inwards. This is very common with trainers or trail boots, especially when the individual is moving across hills. The foot slides forwards and backwards in the shoe and the incessant shock at the toes increases the force on the nail, increasing the likelihood for an ingrown toenail. Many cases can be self-treated, but really tough cases may need some type of intervention, possibly topical medications or antibiotics. Ingrown toenails could be a quite serious issue for diabetics or folks with poor circulation and at the first sign of a problem they should seek treatment right away.
As this condition becomes worse, the skin edges becomes swollen, red, tender and painful. There could be bleeding or pus and the drainage may appear on your socks. Mild redness and swelling are signals of tenderness, but an area with a lot of swelling and redness, pus or streaks indicate that you have an infection.
You should start treatment at the first sign of an ingrown toenail so you reduce your chances of infection. Soak your foot in warm water and epsom salts for 15-20 minutes three times per day. The redness and puffiness should reduce inside a few days of foot soaking, but you should carry on with this regimen until all signs of swelling are gone. Don’t cut the nail on the fringes or down the sides, as this can further worsen the issue.
I should note that elderly people with fungal problems associated with the toenail (toe nail fungus / onychomycosis) are at higher risk for developing ingrown nails. Healthy, trimmed nails are one of the keys to preventing ingrown toenails. Although mild curves of short nails may not result in much misery, longer nails with curves may lead to redness, swelling, heavy discomfort and infection.
Be realistic with your condtion and if looks like you can’t reduce the swelling and redness and things taking a turn for the worse (pus, excess drainage or streaking) see your health care supplier immediately.
Sarah Thurman is a foot care expert. She has written several articles on onychomycosis, ingrown toenails, nail fungus, and other common foot problems.
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Great post – very informative. Your advice for home treatment is excellent. There are many treatments available for Ingrown Nails and a full nail removal is available for people with severe problems.
Nice and informative article. I really understand that the Foot pain is one of the worst pain that you can face. I Stay in Houston and gone though foot pain and finally I had to book a consultation session with Park Plaza Foot Specialists. The treatment they gave me was really satisfactory and helped me to cure my foot problem.