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. |
