Ingrown Toenails - Podiatry Corner

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. 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 

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. 

Comfort Co Breakdown

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.

Comfort Co Treatments 

Better fitting shoes: One of the big causes of ingrown toenails, especially repeated ones is shoes that don't fit properly. You can use the SizeRight feature on The Comfort Co (Mobile Only) to fix this problem with your next pair. Or if you want to take it really seriously, visit us in store and get on an Aetrex scanner! 

Socks with purpose: Another cause of ingrown toenails can be a sweaty, bacteria heavy environment. OS1st Socks are fully antimicrobal and can help eliminate this.