An ingrown toenail forms when your toenail starts to dig into the side of your skin. Ingrown toenails can become very painful and make it hard to walk. They can also lead to a possible infection if not treated. Ingrown toenails usually form after a nail was cut too short or cut inwards. Tight-fitting shoes and high heels can also cause or make toenails worse by pushing the toes together and adding pressure to the toenails. Curved toenails have a hereditary component so some people are just more susceptible to developing ingrown toenails than others.
Preventing ingrown toenails can be done by learning how to properly cut your nails. Nails should be left a little longer past the nail fold and cutting should be done straight across. You should avoid cutting your nails inward. It is important to wear proper shoe wear that is wide enough to accommodate your feet. There should be enough room in the toe box for your toes to move. You can soften nails/ help with swelling with soaking feet in warm water and Epsom salt.
If you have an ingrown toenail, come in and see one of your doctors at Brucato Foot and Ankle Surgery to have it removed/treated to prevent it from getting infected.
