Dealing with Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options - Orthopedics

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Dealing with ingrown toenails can be quite uncomfortable and painful, especially if the condition has persisted for a long time. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to inflammation, pain, and sometimes infection. This condition is often exacerbated by tight footwear, improper nail trimming, or genetic predisposition.


Causes of Ingrown Toenails
1. Footwear: Wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow can put pressure on the toes, causing the nails to grow inward.

2. Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.

3. Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to ingrown toenails due to the shape of their nails.

4. Injury: Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing it or dropping something heavy on it, can lead to ingrown toenails.

5. Poor Foot Hygiene: Fungal infections or poor foot hygiene can also contribute to the development of ingrown toenails.


Symptoms
- Pain and Tenderness: The area around the ingrown nail may be painful, especially when pressure is applied.

- Redness and Swelling: The skin around the nail may become red and swollen.

- Infection: In severe cases, pus may develop, and the area may become warm to the touch.

- Discoloration: As you mentioned, the ingrown part of the nail may appear discolored or dark, which can indicate a fungal infection or other complications.


Treatment Options
1. Home Care:
- Soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- After soaking, gently lift the ingrown edge of the nail and place a small piece of cotton or dental floss underneath it to encourage it to grow above the skin.

- Applying an antiseptic ointment can help prevent infection.

2. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

3. Proper Footwear: Switching to shoes that provide ample space for your toes can help alleviate pressure on the ingrown nail.

4. Medical Treatment: If home remedies do not provide relief, or if there are signs of infection, it is advisable to see a healthcare professional. You should consult a podiatrist, a specialist in foot and ankle conditions. They can assess the severity of your ingrown toenail and may perform procedures such as:
- Partial Nail Avulsion: This involves removing the ingrown portion of the nail to relieve pressure and pain.

- Nail Matrix Removal: In recurrent cases, the nail matrix (the tissue under the nail) may be removed to prevent the nail from growing back.

5. Antifungal Treatment: If there is a fungal infection present, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications to treat the infection.


When to Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention if:
- The pain is severe and not relieved by over-the-counter medications.

- There are signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.

- You have underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, which can complicate foot problems.

In summary, managing an ingrown toenail involves a combination of proper foot care, appropriate footwear, and, if necessary, medical intervention. Seeing a podiatrist is the best course of action to ensure proper treatment and to prevent recurrence.