At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know that, if you’ve ever had an ingrown toenail, you won’t likely soon forget what it felt like. It’s amazing that something as tiny as a toenail can cause such excruciating pain! When a toenail starts to grow back into the skin surrounding the nail, the area will become red, swollen and hard. Left untreated, it can also become infected. We urge all our Fairfield County patients not to delay if they notice pus or other discharge around the nail, a foul smell or they have a fever. Contact our Cromwell office immediately by calling: (860) 632-5499.

Below are some causes of ingrown toenails and what you can do to prevent this condition:

Improper Nail Trimming—this is the most frequent reason toenails become ingrown. Always cut your nails straight across but do not make them too short, especially on the sides. This makes it easy for the skin to overlap the nail and the nail to start to grow into the skin. Never file toenails with a rounded or curved edge.

Too Tight Shoes—another common cause of ingrown toenails is shoes that squeeze the toes together. If your shoes are too small, the toe box is exceedingly narrow or you spend lots of time in high heels which force the toes down and together, you’re increasing your risk for an ingrown toenail. Choose styles with lots of space in the front to freely wiggle your toes and keep heels to two inches or less.

Fungal Infections Run Amok—if you have a fungal infection such as athlete’s foot or toenail fungus and don’t seek treatment promptly, the infection can spread. It can damage your skin and help create a scenario where an ingrown nail can form.

An Inherited Tendency—in some cases, ingrown toenails can be hereditary. If you have a chronic issue with a toenail becoming ingrown, our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas can perform a simple procedure that will prevent a section of the nail from re-growing and permanently eliminate the problem.

If you have an ingrown nail, you can try soaking it in warm, soapy water or an Epsom salt bath several times a day. If this does not allow the nail to gently move out of the skin, contact us for an appointment.