An ingrown toenail is one that grows into the skin, causing irritation, redness and swelling at the site. Sometimes it will develop into an infection. Ingrown nails can occur on any toe, although most commonly they are found on the big toe. Some are chronic, with repeated episodes of pain and infection.
Although it is commonly believed that toenails become ingrown when nails are not cut straight across, nearly all ingrown toenails are the result of wearing shoes that are too short, narrow or the wrong shape for the foot. Where toes rub on the shoe or each other, friction and heat are created. A toenail will not grow into the toe without the friction and rubbing.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Toe infection
- Onychocryptosis
Symptoms:
- Pain, redness and irritation at site
- Infection at site
Signs to look for:
- Redness and irritation at site
- Infection at site
- Shoes with low toe box and/or wear marks at toe box
Possible Causes:
- Some toenails are too large and predisposed to grow inward
- Arthritis and other conditions causing toes to curl and press against other toes
- Injury to toenail
- Overtraining – repeated pounding of feet
- Cutting toenails on a curve vs. straight across
- Shoes with toe boxes that are too narrow and/or shallow
- Too much moisture in shoe increases probability of infection at site
Goals:
- Cut off the ingrown nail and cure infection
- Accommodative footwear and arch support for those predisposed due to heredity or medical conditions
- Prevention
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotics exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotics exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and steel shank
- Smart footwear, such as heel to toe rockers, negative heel footwear or shoes with titanium springs
- Attention to correct length, width and shape of shoe for the foot
- Shoes with stretchable uppers if toes rub on shoe
Other:
- Medical treatment as necessary
- Copper, bamboo or silver socks that wick moisture away from the skin and prevent infection
- Wear socks and hosiery that are not too tight
- Spot stretching of shoe with ball and ring stretcher
- Place cedar shoe trees in shoes after each wearing so shoes always fully dry out
Activities:
- If caused by overtraining, cut back until symptoms abate and institute arch support and shoe changes
- Cut and file toenails straight across
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: Foot.com Text: Foot.com, J. Vonhof, Fixing Your Feet