Ingrown Toenail Treatment: Signs, Causes, Solutions, & Prevention | Care Provider

Ingrown Toenail Treatment: Signs, Causes, Remedies & Prevention

Ingrown Nail Treatments: Signs, Causes, Remedies & Prevention

If you’ve experienced (or are currently experiencing) the discomfort and pain of an ingrown toenail, you know how debilitating it can be. The redness, swelling, and pressure caused by a nail growing into the surrounding skin can make every step a challenge.

But what exactly causes this condition, and what can you do to find relief?

Let’s explore the signs and symptoms of ingrown toenails, common causes, initial at-home pain relief, and professional treatments that can help you get back on your feet. We’ll also discuss prevention strategies to keep your toes healthy and pain-free.

Ingrown Toe Nail Key Takeaways

  • Ingrown toenails cause pain, redness, and swelling; tight-fitting shoes, improper nail trimming, and injuries are common causes.
  • Home remedies include soaking feet, lifting the nail, applying antibiotic cream, and choosing proper footwear.
  • Podiatrists offer professional treatments like nail trimming, BS Brace, OnyxFix, and surgery for severe cases.
  • To prevent ingrown toenails, trim nails straight across, wear well-fitting shoes, and inspect feet on a regular basis.
  • Seek professional help if you have persistent pain, infection signs, diabetes, or poor circulation.

Ingrown Toe Nail Symptoms and Signs

Recognising the symptoms and signs of an ingrown toenail is critical for early treatment and preventing complications. Common ingrown toenail symptoms include pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling around the affected nail. Applying pressure to the toe may cause discomfort, making it difficult to wear shoes or walk comfortably.

treat treatments ingrown nail nail ingrown toenail
If you suspect you are in the early stages of an ingrown toenail - we encourage you to seek professional help. There are other non-surgical options available, but you the sooner you seek help, the more likely they will be suitable.

As the condition progresses, the skin surrounding the ingrown toenail may become inflamed and tender to the touch. Redness and swelling can intensify, indicating a worsening of the condition.

In severe cases, you might notice signs of infection, such as pus drainage, bleeding, and increased warmth in the affected area.

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to the development of hardened skin around the nail, further exacerbating pain and discomfort. Recognising these symptoms early is crucial to preventing more serious complications, such as bone infections.

If you experience persistent swelling, inflammation, and discomfort, it’s important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment of your ingrown toenail.

Ingrown Nail Common Causes

Understanding the root causes of ingrown toenails is the first step in preventing and managing this common foot ailment. Several factors can contribute to the development of this condition. Here are the top four culprits:

  • Incorrect Nail Trimming

    Incorrectly cutting your toenails is one of the most common causes. Rounding the edges of your nails can encourage them to grow into the surrounding skin, resulting in an ingrown toenail. To prevent this, cut your toenails straight across.

  • Poor Fitting Shoes

    Too tight footwear can exert pressure on your toes, pushing the nail into the skin. People who wear high heels or shoes that are too small often have this problem. Opt for comfortable, well-fitting footwear to reduce this risk.

  • Repeated Trauma

    Activities that put repeated stress on your toes, such as running or playing sports, can also lead to ingrown toenails. Be mindful of your activities and their impact on your feet.

  • Age-Related Factors

    Activities that put repeated stress on your toes, such as running or playing sports, can also lead to ingrown toenails. Be mindful of your activities and their impact on your feet.

Understanding the causes of ingrown toenails is critical, as is knowing how to address them. Please read on for remedies and prevention strategies tailored to combat this uncomfortable condition.

Initial At-Home Ingrown Toenail Pain Management

Careful home care can often provide initial relief from the discomfort of an ingrown toenail:

  • Start by soaking your affected foot in warm water for 15-20 minutes, three to four times daily. This helps reduce inflammation and eases the pain associated with an ingrown toenail.
  • After soaking, gently push the skin away from the nail using a cotton swab or a clean fingernail. This can provide relief and prevent further growth.
  • Next, make sure you avoid cutting the toenail too short or rounding the edges, as this can worsen the situation. Trim the nails straight across and keep them at a moderate length. This reduces the chances of the nail growing into the skin.

Maintaining proper foot hygiene is also crucial. Keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. Wearing spacious and properly fitting shoes helps alleviate pressure on the affected toenail, reducing discomfort. Opt for shoes with ample toe space, and avoid tight or high-heeled footwear.

Recommended Podiatrist Treatments

When your at-home management offers no pain relief or improvement, it’s time to consult a podiatrist for your ingrown toenail. Your podiatrist may perform professional nail trimming or apply a BS Brace or OnyxFix device to correct nail growth. In severe cases, they might recommend toenail surgery to address the issue thoroughly. Let’s explore each one of these professional options in more detail:

Professional Nail Trimming

Regularly visiting a podiatrist for professional nail trimming can greatly reduce your risk of developing ingrown toenails. Expert nail trimming by podiatrists helps prevent ingrown nails and related complications by cutting your nails straight across and not too short.

Here are the key reasons for seeking professional nail trimming:

  • Expert Care: Podiatrists have the expertise to safely trim toenails, reducing the risk of ingrown nails and infections.
  • Preventive Measures: Regular professional trimming can help prevent recurring ingrown toenails and promote foot health.
  • Diabetic Foot Care: If you have diabetes or poor blood flow to your feet, professional nail trimming is recommended to prevent complications.
  • Educational: A podiatrist can provide advice on proper foot hygiene, nail care, and suitable footwear tailored to your needs.
To reduce your chances of an ingrown toenail, cut across the nail as shown above. It's important NOT to cut with the curve of your toenail, this will increase the chances of getting an ingrown toenail.

The BS Brace is an advanced, non-surgical treatment option that podiatrists often recommend for correcting ingrown toenails. 

This innovative method involves using a specialised brace that helps lift the edge of the nail and guide it into proper straight growth, relieving pressure and pain.

The BS Brace is an advanced, non-surgical treatment option that podiatrists often recommend for correcting ingrown toenails. 

Unlike invasive procedures, the BS Brace offers a pain-free approach suitable for those with recurring or severe ingrown toenails. 

A podiatrist must apply the brace with precision and expertise to ensure its correct fitting and adjustment for maximum effectiveness.

Solution Benefit
Pain Relief
Immediate decrease in discomfort levels
Non-Invasive
No need for surgery and recovery time
Simple Application
Walk in, walk out procedure
Prevents Recurrence
Long-term relief
No Downtime
No impact to daily activities

OnyxFix is a non-surgical treatment option for ingrown toenails. Designed to correct the nail’s curvature, similar to the BS Brace, this innovative procedure alleviates the pain and discomfort associated with ingrown toenails. OnyxFix not only addresses the immediate symptoms but also aims to prevent potential infections and complications.

Here are four key points about OnyxFix:

  • Non-Invasive and Effective: Unlike surgical methods, OnyxFix is a non-invasive solution that corrects the nail without the need for incisions.
  • Quick Relief: The treatment quickly relieves the pain from ingrown toenails, enabling you to comfortably resume your daily activities.
  • Prevents Complications: By correcting the nail's growth pattern, OnyxFix helps prevent further complications, such as infections, which can be serious if left untreated.
  • Podiatrist-Endorsed: Podiatrists widely endorse OnyxFix as an effective management tool for ingrown toenails, ensuring you receive top-quality care.

When conservative treatments for ingrown toenails fail to provide relief, your podiatrist may recommend toenail surgery as a more effective solution. 

The surgical procedures can involve partial or complete removal of the problematic nail to alleviate pain, prevent infection, and correct the nail’s growth pattern. This reduces the risk of future ingrown toenails.

Your podiatrist will discuss the most appropriate surgical approach based on your specific case. They’ll also provide detailed post-operative care instructions.

While recovery times vary, you can typically expect to heal within a few weeks and resume most activities a few days after the surgery, depending on the procedure’s extent. It’s essential to follow your podiatrist’s guidance closely during this period to guarantee proper healing and minimise complications.

With no pain and quick recovery time (as long as you follow the post-operative care), ingrown toenail surgery is a quick, safe, painless and long-lasting remedy. Speak to your podiatrist today about your ingrown toenail and get the right advice.

Prevention Strategies

Adopting effective prevention strategies can greatly reduce your risk of developing ingrown toenails. By following these simple yet vital steps, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining healthy, pain-free toes:

  • Trim your toenails straight across, avoiding curves or angled cuts that can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
  • Wear properly fitting shoes that provide ample room for your toes, preventing unnecessary pressure and friction.
  • Regularly inspect your feet for early signs of ingrown toenails, such as redness, swelling, or tenderness along the nail edges.
  • To your toenails at a moderate length, neither too short nor too long, to minimise the chances of nail edges digging into the skin.
  • Use protective footwear during activities that may put your toes at risk of injury, such as sports or manual labour.

When to Seek Professional Help

After implementing prevention strategies, it’s important to recognise when an ingrown toenail requires professional attention. If you’re experiencing pain, noticing pus, or seeing spreading inflammation, these are clear indications that it’s time to seek medical help. These symptoms may signal a worsening infection that needs immediate care.

Additionally, if you have diabetes or poor blood flow to your feet, even minor discomfort or signs of infection should prompt a visit to your healthcare provider. Diabetes can affect your body’s ability to fight infections and heal wounds, making even a small issue more serious.

Don’t hesitate to request an appointment if you notice any symptoms of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or swelling. Timely intervention can prevent complications and guarantee that you receive the appropriate treatment.

Diabetes assessment rosanna ivanhoe podiatry
Doppler ultrasound is a noninvasive test that can be used to measure the blood flow through your blood vessels. It is a valuable tool for accurately assessning potential foot health issues, particularly for the diabetic foot.

Conclusion

If you experience pain, notice swelling, or see redness around your toenail, it’s crucial to act swiftly. Addressing common causes, such as improper nail trimming and tight-fitting shoes, can help alleviate symptoms.

If symptoms persist, consult a podiatrist for precise treatments, which may range from advanced trimming techniques to potential surgery.

Prevent future issues by maintaining proper nail care, choosing appropriate footwear, and scheduling regular podiatrist visits. Taking these steps helps ensure you keep your feet healthy, pain-free, and ready to support you.

If you think you may have an ingrown toenail and want the right professional advice on how to treat it, we currently have a limited offer running to help you out. A GAP FREE ingrown toenail assessment consult (only $59 for those without extras private insurance).

Please feel free to book yourself in online or call our friendly Reception on (03) 8104 9270 today.

Ingrown Toenail Infection

Understand how you get ingrown toenails your self care home options and what you can do to get rid of them once and for all. You don't need to put up with the pain of an ingrown toenail any longer.

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Bellevue Podiatry Health Care Treatment

Bellevue Podiatry has been serving the people of Rosanna and its surrounding suburbs for over 12 years. We have the qualifications, experience and education to effectively treat any lower limb condition or injury that requires expert podiatry care.

Ingrown Nail Article References:

If you would like a deeper understanding of the subject matter discussed in this article, please click on the links below:

  1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases-conditions/ingrown-toenail/
  2. Health Direct: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ingrown-toenails
  3. Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17664-ingrown-toenails
  4. Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-toenails/symptoms-causes/syc-20355903
  5. Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/ingrown-toenail
  6. National Health Service UK: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ingrown-toenail/
  7. Better Health: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/feet-problems-and-treatments#ingrown-toenails
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