AN ingrowing toenail is one that pierces the flesh of the toe. This is often confused with an involuted nail, which is one that digs in but hasn’t yet pierced the flesh of the toe. In severe cases, the area can produce pus and become infected. Both conditions can be extremely painful and are ones I often see in my surgery.

THOSE AT RISK

People who are involved in sports and those who are generally more active are prone to ingrowing nails due to trauma to the nail during activities.

CAUSES

The most common cause is incorrect nail cutting. Don’t cut them too low and avoid digging down the sides. The corner of the nail should be visible above the skin.

Tight and narrow shoes are another common cause. If your feet are aching you after a period of time, especially at the toe box, this probably indicates that your shoes are ill-fitting and putting pressure on areas not built to deal with it.

In some cases genetic factors may play a part in developing the condition, such as the way you stand and walk or the shape of the nail you were born with.

If left untreated, ingrowing toenails can become infected and the infection can spread to the toe and rest of the foot. The quicker you get them treated, the less painful the treatment.

TREATMENT

This depends on the severity of the condition. For the most basic of cases, the podiatrist will be able to carefully remove the spike to give instant relief. If the toe is very tender to touch and inflamed, podiatrists use a local anaesthetic to numb the area and remove the problem. In some cases, the best form of treatment is to remove a section of nail permanently, which is a minor surgical procedure that usually produces excellent results.

PREVENTION

To prevent ingrowing toenails, learn to cut your nails properly and with the right tools. A podiatrist will be able to show you how to do this. Cut them after you have showered so that they are softer. Good hygiene can go a long way in preventing the condition. Avoid moist, sweaty feet by wearing socks made of natural materials and rotate your footwear so each pair has a chance to dry properly.

If you are a high-risk person with conditions like diabetes or if you are taking blood-thinning drugs or steroids, you should not attempt any self-treatment, refer to a podiatrist as soon as you can.

Most importantly, avoid shoes and activities that make the problem worse and seek help before it becomes a disabling problem.

Angela Davis, BSc (Hons), DPodM, MChS is a podiatrist with offices in Montego Bay, Mandeville, Ocho Rios, and Savanna-la-Mar. She is a member of the Health and Care Professions Council in the United Kingdom. Contact her at 293-7119.