Ingrown Toenails (Onychocryptosis)

Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown nail is a common condition that occurs when the sides of the toenail grow into the skin, sometimes with a sharp/broken edge and over time, the nail may begin to pierce through the skin and cause irritation. In some cases, this irritation can cause a portal of entry for bacteria/pathogens to enter that skin and cause an infection.

Common signs and symptoms:

  • Pain and sensitivity along the side(s) of the ingrown toenail

  • Redness and swelling around the toenail

  • Tenderness when pushing on the area or wearing shoes

  • Pus or discharge along the sides of the toenail typically indicates infection, therefore you should seek immediate medical attention from a foot specialist.

What causes ingrown toenails?

  • Inappropriate nail cutting (i.e. self-treatment or cutting nails too short)

  • Trauma to the nail  (i.e. dropping an object onto the toe nail or stubbing your toe)

  • Poorly fitting footwear (tight or narrow shoes that compression the toes together may influence the nail curvature)

  • Curvature of the nail, some nails have a downwards curve to the edges of the nails such as an involuted or a pincered nail structure. This may be footwear induced or there may be a genetic predisposition to the morphology of the curved nail. 

  • Biomechanical and gait alterations: the structure of an individual's lower body/feet and walking pattern may cause increased pressure onto the toes. 

Treatment

There are various conservative and more aggressive treatment/prevention options for ingrown toe, spending on the stage severity, which include:

  • Education on proper nail trimming

  • Warm water epsom soaks foot soaks daily for 10–15 mins

  • Regularly routine nail care visits to the foot specialist to ensure nails are being managed correctly 

  • Topical antibiotics (i.e., polysporin or fucidin) to prevention or reduce infection

  • Oral antibiotics to reduce infection

  • Wearing wide fitting footwear to reduce the compression and pressure onto the toes

  • Nail bracing techniques: a customized brace is applied to the nail to slowly correct the curvature 

  • Soft tissue surgical procedure: a partial or total nail avulsion procedure, where the affected nail is surgically removed and a chemical called phenol may or not be used to prevent nail regrowth. 

The foot specialists at East Foot Clinic can easily treat all stages of ingrown nails. To book an appointment please call 647-501-3338 or email info@eastfootclinic.com.