Ingrown Toenail

When you have an ingrown toenail, the swelling and pain can quickly turn unmanageable. That’s when you can count on Dr. Robert Darrin Hurst, the podiatry practice of elite board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon Robert Hurst, DPM, for help. With two offices in Savannah, Tennessee, and Corinth, Mississippi, you can get your ingrown toenail treated immediately and leave without pain. Call the nearest office or book your appointment online today.

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail — a nail with corners that dig into the skin — typically causes:

• Red skin
• Swollen skin
• Sore skin
• Pain when you push the nail

Ingrown toenails often develop infections as they progress, leading to leaking pus, bleeding, more intense pain, and sometimes the growth of unhealthy new tissue (granulation tissue) around the edge of the toe.  

How did I get an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenails may develop for a few reasons, such as: 

Improper nail grooming

Grooming your nails the wrong way is the most common reason ingrown toenails develop. The main way this happens is filing nails to curve down at the corners. Cutting nails too short is another way that nail grooming can lead to an ingrown toenail.

Injury

Injury can lead to an ingrown toenail because it may force the toenail under the skin. This can occur when you stub your toe or if you drop something on your toe. 

Sometimes soccer players, dancers, and other people who play sports that require a lot of footwork are more prone to ingrown toenails because of pressure over the toenails (repetitive injury).

Nail fungus

Fungal nails often thicken, warp, or grow in other unhealthy ways. The nail may start growing down into the skin in some cases.

Natural foot structure

Some people naturally have small toes but larger nail plates. This leaves no room for the edges of the nail to grow normally, so the nail can start curving down. 

The wrong shoes

Wearing your shoes too tight puts pressure on the toenails, and they may respond by growing into the skin. But even shoes that fit you properly can cause ingrown toenails if they constrict your toes. High heels are a common example, particularly pointed-toe styles. 

Many other factors might contribute to ingrown nails, including having diabetes or other systemic conditions. Certain people, namely women, are more likely to have ingrown toenails.

I have an ingrown toenail. Do I need treatment?

Yes, ingrown toenails need treatment right away to prevent the problem from worsening. Treatment depends on the severity of your ingrown toenail.

Treatment usually involves lifting the pushed-in nail out of your skin safely or removing the embedded portion of the nail. You may need an antibiotic to fight infection. 

Call Dr. Robert Darrin Hurst or book your appointment online for ingrown toenail care now.