What Are Ingrown Toenails? A Podiatrist Explains the Causes and Treatment
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A podiatrist explains what ingrown toenails are, what causes them, and how they are treated and prevented.
By Sophie McLellan, Co-Owner & Podiatrist, Little Big Feet Podiatry, Brisbane
Key Facts
- What it isOnychocryptosis: where the nail grows into the skin, or the skin grows over the nail edge, with or without infection.
- Most at riskPeople with a curved nail shape, those in tight or shallow-toe-box shoes, runners, and anyone with sweaty feet or thickened fungal nails.
- Common symptomsA painful nail edge, often on the big toe, sometimes red, swollen or infected.
- Primary treatmentConservative removal of the offending nail spicule, or a partial nail avulsion (PNA) for chronic or recurring cases.
What are ingrown toenails?
In-grown toenails (Onychocryptosis) are a common condition caused when the skin on either side of the nail grows over the nail edge/s, or when the nail itself grows into the skin. The condition may present with or without infection. Ingrown toe nails are often painful.
What causes ingrown toenails?
Common causes of ingrown toenails include:
- Congenital shape of the nail/s
- Following acute trauma (such as stubbing of toe, being stepped on etc)
- Tight ill-fitting shoes (shoes with narrow/shallow toe-boxes and tight hosiery)
- Repeated trauma (such as runners hitting ends of shoes)
- Warm, moist environments such as sweaty feet & soft skin
- Thickened fungal toenails
How are ingrown toenails treated?
Podiatrists treat ingrown toenails conservatively as well as surgically. Conservative treatment involves the removal of the offending piece of nail spicule from the nail's edge. Surgical treatment is typically undertaken for chronic or recalcitrant in-grown toenails. The most common surgical procedure is a partial nail avulsion (PNA). During this process, the toe is anesthetized and the side (or both sides) of the nail are removed down to the nail matrix; after which the site is phenolised to prevent regrowth of the nail.
The Comfort Co Breakdown
Ingrown toenails, in plainer English
Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the skin, causing pain. They result from trauma, tight shoes, or fungal nails. Podiatrists treat them conservatively or surgically to prevent regrowth.
Written by The Comfort Co team.
The Comfort Co Solutions
A podiatrist fixes the nail itself, but a lot of ingrown toenails, especially the ones that keep coming back, start with the wrong shoes and socks. Here is where we can help stop them returning.
Better-fitting shoes
One of the big causes of ingrown toenails, especially repeated ones, is shoes that do not fit properly. Look for a roomy toe box that does not press on the nail edges, and get sized properly rather than guessing. You can also get fitted in person at one of our Comfort Co showrooms.
Socks with purpose
Another cause of ingrown toenails can be a sweaty, bacteria-heavy environment. OS1st socks are fully antimicrobial and can help keep that in check.
Comfort Co Pro Tip
Cut your toenails straight across, not curved down into the corners, and leave them a little long. Rounding the corners is one of the easiest ways to invite the nail to grow into the skin.
Keep Reading
Quick questions
What causes ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails can be caused by the congenital shape of the nail, acute or repeated trauma, tight ill-fitting shoes with narrow or shallow toe boxes, sweaty feet with soft skin, and thickened fungal toenails.
Are ingrown toenails serious?
Ingrown toenails are often painful and may present with or without infection. If the toe is red, swollen or infected, it should be assessed by a podiatrist.
How do podiatrists treat ingrown toenails?
Podiatrists treat them conservatively by removing the offending piece of nail from the edge, or surgically for chronic cases. The most common procedure is a partial nail avulsion (PNA).
Can the right shoes prevent ingrown toenails?
Yes. Tight, narrow or shallow-toe-box shoes are a common cause, so shoes that fit properly with room in the toe box help prevent them returning.
Should I treat an ingrown toenail at home?
Minor cases can settle, but recurring or infected ingrown toenails should be seen by a podiatrist. People with diabetes or reduced circulation should always seek professional care.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic. Ingrown toenails. mayoclinic.org
- Cleveland Clinic. Ingrown Toenails. my.clevelandclinic.org