Before we can provide treatment options for ingrown toenails it is important to understand exactly what an ingrown toenail is!
So what exactly are ingrown toe nails and how do they occur?
Ingrown toe nails occur as a result of the sides of your nails growing into your skin instead of over the top of it. Typically, it has been found that those who develop ingrown toenails are likely to have nails that are curved or thickened in appearance resulting in the surrounding skin becoming tender and swollen due to the increased pressure.
Over time ingrown toe nails which are left untreated may develop an infection, which may result in redness, swollen skin, pain, bleeding, oozing pus and the surrounding skin growing onto the nail.
Some of the most common causes that result in ingrown toenails developing may include:
- Heredity
- Trauma– dropping a box on your toes, activities that lead to constant pressure on your toes like running and kicking and stubbing your toe
- Improper trimming– cutting nails too short and curved
- Improper footwear– which may be too tight, small or big causing your toes to constantly hit the ends when walking, running and standing
- Nail conditions– such as fungal infection, nail lose due to trauma, psoriasis
If signs of infection are present appropriate treatment must be undertaken to reduce chances of progressing.
So if you have been suffering from persistent ingrown toenails these are the treatment options available to avoid painful ingrown toenails occurring:
- Proper cutting technique
- Avoiding shoes that are too tight
- Regular podiatry visits to maintain/ manage your ingrown toenails
- BS Brace which aids in lifting the nail upwards to reduce your chances of the nail continuing to grow into the skin. The BS Brace works well for the majority of nails but not all
- Nail surgery in which a small section of the sides of the nail are removed, with the use of phenol to reduce the risk of your nail growing back
To ensure that you are undertaking the most appropriate treatment option for your ingrown toenails make sure to book in to see one of our friendly podiatrists today for an assessment.
Call us on 8645 9800 or,
