What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails are a common problem among children and adults. They cause pain, swelling, and redness in the nail's corner. If you suffer from this condition, scheduling an appointment with the podiatrists at Moore Foot & Ankle Specialists in Asheville, NC, is essential.

If left untreated, nail corners buried under the skin may create a small opening for bacteria to enter, leading to an infection. Let's look at some causes of this toenail condition so they can be avoided.

1. Tight Shoes

Tight shoes can put a great deal of strain on your toes, especially the first and second ones. This pressure may cause nails to grow inward into the soft flesh surrounding them.

Some individuals are predisposed to ingrown nails due to hereditary traits that control how their nails grow. These individuals tend to develop curved nails that dig into the flesh for added support and comfort. Thus, people inclined to this toenail condition must wear shoes that fit correctly.

2. Poor Blood Circulation

Poor blood circulation in the feet can lead to this toenail condition. Less than stellar circulation occurs most commonly when people wear tight shoes, have sweaty feet, or cut their nails too short.

Treatment of ingrown toenails can provide comfort and reduce the risk of infection. Our providers at Moore Foot & Ankle Specialists team may recommend oral antibiotics and may even recommend removing part of the nail if the problem is severe or recurring.

3. Uneven Nails

Ingrown nails are often the result of improper trimming, so it's essential to keep your nail length consistent across each toe. Furthermore, soaking your feet before cutting your nails makes the nails soft and pliable for easier cutting.

Nails that are too long can cause the skin around them to fold over onto themselves, leading to this painful condition. Trick your nails straight across to avoid this problem instead of angling them. Nevertheless, you should contact our podiatrists if the pain or swelling persists or the problem keeps recurring.

4. Injury

If you have a toenail injury, you should call us immediately. These injuries can cause blood clots (subungual hematomas), which appear as black, blue, or purple bruises and are extremely painful.

Nail trauma can include:

• Hitting your toe on a hard surface.
• Stepping on something.
• Wearing shoes or socks that are too tight.

Generally, these injuries heal independently, but if not, the nail may grow into your skin and cause an ingrown toenail.

Are you suffering from ingrown toenails in Asheville, NC? Call (828) 350-1880 to schedule your appointment with our podiatrists at Moore Foot & Ankle Specialists so that we can provide a solution.