When a toenail is classified as “ingrown,” it can cause extreme pain when the person puts weight on the affected toe. This condition is when a nail starts digging into the sides of the toe, growing into the soft tissue and causing a wound to start forming. If an ingrown toenail is left untreated, it may lead to long-term discomfort and pain, possibly even causing an infection because of the bacteria that linger in socks and shoes.
What Are the Causes of Ingrown Toenails?
There are many causes of ingrown nails. Here are a few habits to avoid to make sure your nails do not grow in the wrong angle:
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Cutting Your Nails Too Short
If you have the habit of cutting your toenails too short, then you must stop doing so immediately! When the nails start getting too short, the skin may tend to cover the corners of the nail. This will encourage the nail to grow into the skin when it gets longer, causing an ingrown nail!
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Shoes That Do Not Fit Well
Another cause of ingrown nails is when you constantly wear shoes that are too tight. Shoes that are a size too small will force the skin at the sides of a person's toes to press against the nail, thus making the nails grow into the skin and tissues! This becomes especially true if the shoes are worn for long periods of time.
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Repeated Trauma To The Toes
Toe injuries and repeated actions that cause impacts to the toes and toenails may also cause ingrown toenails. For example, the repeated kicking of a ball using the toes may cause trauma to the toes and the toenails—pushing the skin in towards the nails and causing wounds.
Treatment For Ingrown Toenails
As terrifying as ingrown nails may sound, this is entirely preventable and treatable! Here are a few treatment methods that will help you get rid of your ingrown nails from the safety of your home:
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Wear Comfortable Shoes
Make it a point to wear shoes that fit well and are the right size for your feet. Shoes that don't fit right are not only uncomfortable, but these will also cause damage to your feet and nails. Choosing to wear the right shoe size will help you avoid ingrown nails and discomfort as you walk and go about your day.
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Cut Your Toenails Straight
Cutting your nails straight will help them grow back normally. If you cut your nails in a curve, it will make the condition even worse!
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Gently Push The Nail Straight
You can use your fingers and a cotton bud to push your nails and gently make them bend into the normal shape. Take note, however, that you must not force it, as you may risk hurting yourself or damaging your nail—which is another matter entirely!
Conclusion
If you notice that your toenails curve over the side of your toe and are digging into the skin where the pain is present, then it is a sign that these toenails may be ingrown. Getting treatment for your ingrown nails will help you avert further pain on your toes. You will also be able to avoid any infections that may cause further complications if they are left untreated! If you don’t know how to approach your ingrown situation, then seeking help from a specialist is your best bet.
If you need a specialist that can help you with your ingrown nail problem, come to Anytime Physio! We are a family-owned physiotherapy clinic that specialises in providing cost-effective physiotherapy, remedial massage, and pilates services, among others. Call us today and let us help you get over the pain of your ingrown nails and help you get them back to normal!
