Have you been experiencing pain or discomfort around your toenail? If so, you might be dealing with an ingrown toenail. This condition occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing swelling and pain due to infection (Paronychia). To prevent this condition, it is crucial to understand its root causes. Common causes include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, and genetic predisposition.
Equally important is the early recognition of symptoms. Symptoms like redness, tenderness, and pus around the toenail can indicate an ingrown toenail. Identifying these signs promptly allows for timely intervention and effective management. By understanding the causes and symptoms, you can take proactive steps to address this condition.
Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are often caused by improper nail trimming or changes in toenail shape. Specifically, individuals with highly curved or wide toenails are particularly prone to this issue. Without proper care, ingrown toenails can recur, leading to ongoing discomfort.
Beyond improper trimming and toenail shape, several other factors contribute to this condition:
- Nail Trauma: Injuries such as stubbing your toe or having it stepped on can damage the nail, causing it to grow into the skin. Moreover, repeated minor trauma can worsen the problem, leading to chronic ingrown toenails.
- Improper Trimming: Trimming toenails in a curved fashion rather than straight across can cause the nail to grow into the surrounding skin, thereby increasing the risk of developing ingrown toenails.
- Wrong Footwear: Wearing shoes that squeeze the toes together creates pressure on the toenails, causing them to grow into the skin. This is especially common with narrow or tight footwear.
- Nail Picking: Habitually picking at the toenails damages the nail bed and the surrounding skin. As a result, this makes it easier for the nail to grow abnormally and become ingrown.
- Frequent Pedicures: Regular pedicure treatments, particularly those involving aggressive nail trimming or shaping, can alter the nails’ natural growth pattern. This increases the likelihood of ingrown toenails.
Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails
After understanding the causes of ingrown toenails, it is essential to recognise the symptoms to ensure timely treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Curved Nail Edge: The edge of the nail curves and grows into the sides of the skin.
- Pain and Inflammation: The sides of the toenail become painful and inflamed, often accompanied by redness, warmth, and in some cases the presence of pus.
- Bleeding: Bleeding might occur from the sides of the affected toenail.
- Footwear Discomfort: Wearing enclosed shoes may cause increased pain due to pressure on the ingrown nail.
- Granuloma Formation: Sometimes, an extra piece of flesh, known as a Pyogenic Granuloma, may grow out from the side of the nail (lateral nail fold).
Ingrown Toenail Treatment and Prevention
Here in Singapore, various treatment options for ingrown toenails are available, ranging from temporary pain relief to long-term solutions. Considering the causes and the likelihood of recurrence discussed earlier is essential before deciding on the best treatment option.
Some effective treatment options include:
- Nail Spike Trim: Provides short-term pain relief.
- Nail Bracing: Helps correct the nail growth pattern.
- Antiseptic Foot Soak: Used to prevent infections.
- Wound Care: Necessary if there is active bleeding or discharge.
- Customised Foot Orthotics: Provides support and reduces pressure on the toenails.
- Antibiotics: This can only be prescribed by medical professionals.
For those who have experienced repeated episodes, here are some preventive measures you ought to take:
- Avoid tight-fitting footwear.
- Cut your nails straight across and not curved down the edges.
- Round off any sharp edges with a file after each trim.
By following these preventive measures and seeking appropriate treatment, you can effectively manage and prevent ingrown toenails. For more persistent or severe cases, surgical options may be necessary to provide a more permanent solution.
Types of Ingrown Toenail Removal Surgery
If conservative measures and medications are ineffective, you may require ingrown toenail removal surgery to address the problem. The different types of surgery commonly performed include:
- Partial Nail Avulsion: The most common procedure, involving the removal of a small portion of the toenail, usually from the side or corner.
- Total Nail Avulsion: The entire toenail is removed, typically only if the nail is severely infected or damaged.
- Nail Matrixectomy: Involves removing a portion of the nail matrix, often done with partial nail avulsion, recommended for severe or recurrent cases.
Regardless of the type of ingrown toenail removal surgery you undergo, it’s essential to follow post-procedure instructions to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Get Relief from Ingrown Toenails at East Coast Podiatry
At East Coast Podiatry, we understand the discomfort and complications that foot conditions, like ingrown toenails, can cause. As Singapore’s leading podiatry clinic, our team of podiatrists is committed to providing personalised care plans tailored to your specific needs.
Whether you require conservative approaches or surgical options, we utilise the latest techniques and technologies to ensure optimal foot health. Our comprehensive approach includes assessing your condition, offering guidance on preventive measures, and performing minimally invasive surgical procedures for severe cases. We also provide thorough post-procedure care and follow-up to ensure proper healing.
Don’t let foot problems disrupt your daily life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards pain-free and healthy feet. Our dedicated team is here to provide the solutions you need to achieve the best possible outcomes and maintain your foot health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ingrown Toenails
Diagnosing an ingrown toenail involves a careful physical examination by a podiatrist. They will check for signs like redness, swelling, and tenderness around the nail. Additionally, the podiatrist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any activities that could have injured the toenail. This information helps pinpoint contributing factors and gauge the condition’s severity. A thorough evaluation ensures an accurate diagnosis and helps create a personalised treatment plan to address your specific needs.
An infected ingrown toenail can cause significant discomfort and requires prompt attention. Symptoms of an infected ingrown toenail may include:
- Overgrowth of Skin: As the nail grows into the skin, the body may respond by causing the skin to grow over the edge of the nail. This overgrowth can trap bacteria, leading to an infection.
- Redness and Warmth: The skin around the affected toenail often becomes red and warm to the touch, indicating inflammation and infection.
- Swelling: The toe may become noticeably swollen and hard as the infection and inflammation progress.
- Discharge: Liquid or pus may be present, oozing from the area around the toenail, which is a clear sign of infection.
- Pain: Pain around the ingrown toenail typically increases, especially when pressure is applied or while wearing shoes.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment from a podiatrist to prevent the infection from worsening.
Nail avulsion is a surgical procedure used to treat severe or recurrent ingrown toenails. It involves the removal of part or the whole toenail to alleviate pain and prevent further issues. There are two main types of nail avulsion:
- Partial Nail Avulsion: This procedure involves removing only the portion of the toenail that is causing the problem, usually from the side or corner. It is often combined with a matrixectomy, where a small part of the nail matrix (the tissue that produces the nail) is also removed to prevent the nail from regrowing in that area.
- Total Nail Avulsion: In more severe cases, the entire toenail may be removed. This is typically necessary if the nail is severely infected or damaged. Total nail avulsion is also considered if other treatments have failed to provide relief.
Nail avulsion is performed under local anaesthesia and is considered a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Post-procedure care is important to ensure proper healing and to prevent infection.
It is not advisable to dig out an ingrown toenail yourself. Attempting to do so can lead to several complications, including:
- Infection: Using non-sterile tools and improper techniques can introduce bacteria, causing an infection.
- Increased Pain: Digging out the toenail can be very painful and may worsen the condition.
- Damage: You risk damaging the surrounding skin and nail bed, which can worsen the problem.
Instead of trying to dig out the ingrown toenail yourself, it is best to seek professional help. A podiatrist can safely remove the ingrown toenail, providing relief and preventing further complications. If you have an ingrown toenail, contact us for proper care and management.
Proper care after ingrown toenail surgery is essential for healing and preventing complications. Here are some do’s and don’ts to follow:
- Rest and Elevate Your Foot: Try to reduce activity and keep your foot elevated to minimise swelling.
- Minimise High-Impact Activities: If activities are unavoidable, do not participate in those that put a lot of pressure on your toe.
- Keep It Clean: Follow your podiatrist’s instructions for cleaning and dressing the surgical site to prevent infection.
- Wear Appropriate Footwear: Choose open-toed shoes to avoid pressure on the toe. If you need to wear closed shoes, ensure they are loose-fitting.
- Be Cautious: Be careful not to bump or injure your toe to prevent further damage.
- Monitor Symptoms: If you notice increased pain, redness, swelling, or discharge, contact your podiatrist promptly as these could be signs of infection.
- Follow Up: Attend any follow-up appointments with your podiatrist to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.
Following these guidelines can help ensure a smooth recovery after an ingrown toenail surgery.
