More about Ingrown toenails...
Some Common Causes
- When you don’t cut your nails properly.
- You should cut your nails straight across (not down the sides) with a straight nail nipper and not curved nail scissors.
- A foot that is more prone to being wet for longer periods is more likely to develop this condition.
- If you are active and sporty you may be more susceptible.
- Consequently younger more active people are more at risk.
- Ill fiting shoes - especially in the front.
- Pronation (rolling in) of your feet can be a contributing factor.
- Can be caused after an injury to your toe.
- Your posture and the way you walk (your gait) can be a factor also.
The Main Symptoms
- Painful and tender around the inside edge of a toe (most likely the big toe) but not always.
- It will worsen over time as the nail grows outwards forcing the jagged edge of the nail further into the side of your toe.
- It may then develop septic symptoms such as weeping pus and bleeding.
- Any form of nail cutting will be very uncomfortable and eventually any pressure around the area will be extremely difficult to tolerate. Even pressure from your bedclothes will cause pain.
Cathy Bowen
MSc DPodM ILTM, Podiatrist
Ingrown toenails
An ingrowing toenail is one that pierces the flesh of
the toe. It can feel as if you have a splinter, and can be
extremely painful. In more severe cases, it can cause
pus and bleeding. Ingrowing toenails most commonly
affect the big toenail, but can affect the other toes too.
Suggested Treatments for Ingrown toenails
First of all pay close attention to how you cut your nails.
NEVER dig down the sides of your nails with any scissors or probes of any kind.
Wear properly fitting footwear - especially sports wear if you do a lot of this activity.
Consider wearing corrective devices such as orthotics which will help correct the "rolling in" of your feet.
Soak your feet and use anti septic cream or spray to help keep the affected area as clean as possible.
Other customers have found these useful for Ingrown toenails...
 Gehwol med. Nail Softener 15ml |
 Toe Cap |
Treating your condition
The Traffic Light symbol at the top of each condition page indicates the way you should approach it:
Red: Seek professional help immediately, either from a suitably qualified Podiatrist or Physiotherapist.
Amber: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.
Green: You can treat this condition yourself if you feel comfortable doing so. However, for further reassurance it might be as well to talk the condition through with a suitably qualified Podiatrist.
Remember this advice is for guidance only and if you are in any doubt at all, please consult your nearest HPC Registered Podiatrist.