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Ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails are one the more common foot problems treated by the
Podiatrist. They can be very painful, with people limiting their
activity to keep off their sore feet. Ingrown toenails are caused by
impingement of the skin along the margins of the nail by the nail plate.
Some ingrown toenails are chronic, with repeated episodes of pain and
infection. Pain can be present without infection, and occasionally
infection is present without pain. The usual signs of infection include;
redness (erythema), swelling (edema), increased warmth
(calor), and pain (dolor).
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Symptoms
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Pain along the margin(s) of the toenail
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Aggravated by wearing shoes, particularly those with narrow toes.
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May be sensitive to any pressure, even the weight of the bed
clothes.
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There may be signs of infection.
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There may be drainage of pus, or a watery discharge tinged with
blood.
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Causes
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Improper trimming of toenails
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Tight fitting shoes which compress the toes together
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Hose or socks that are too tight
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Abnormally shaped nail plate
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Other toenail deformities (eg. excessively thick nail plate)
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Trauma to the nail plate or toe
What you can do
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Cut toenails straight across, and leave slightly longer then the
end of the toe
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Avoid tight fitting foot wear
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If discomfort develops try soaking the foot in a basin of warm
water two or three times a day. If you are diabetic or have poor
circulation the water should never be more than 95
degrees Fahrenheit. Contact your podiatrist or physician
immediately.
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An infected ingrown nail requires prompt professional attention.
What the doctor may do
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Trim a small spicule of nail to relieve the pressure. Callus
(dead skin) may have accumulated in the nail groove, which needs to
be removed. Routine ingrown toenail care may need to be done
periodically.
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Elevate the end of the nail plate to prevent impingement on the
soft tissues
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Surgically drain an infection
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Prescribe special soaks and/or antibiotics
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Surgically correct a chronic ingrown toenail
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Completely remove a deformed toenail so it will not grow back.
Complications of an ingrown toenail
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Infection, if present, may spread to foot and leg, or into blood
stream.
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Loss of nail plate from infection or inflammation of the
nail bed.
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Chronic in-growing nails can cause deformity of the nail plate
and/or surrounding soft tissues.
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A small benign tumor called a granuloma can form along
the nail margin.
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Diabetics and those with poor circulation to the feet must never
attempt to treat an ingrown toenail at home, consult with a
podiatrist or physician immediately
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