An ingrown toenail results in inflammation of the pad located on the periphery of the nail. This inflammation is characterized by redness, swelling, and sensitivity, sometimes pain, of this periungual pad.
This occurs when the nail becomes ingrown and penetrates the tissues of the lateral edges, causing conflict between the nail plate and the nail bed.
Several factors can cause or encourage this incarnation:
- A bad nail cut
- A morphological anomaly (dysmorphia) of the very curved nail, which is called a “volute nail”
- A bone abnormality of the foot and/or toe which can cause a static disorder and therefore abnormal friction and pressure at the periungual level
- A major trauma or several small repetitive traumas
- Wearing poorly fitting shoes, too narrow, too rigid, or high heels…
- Pathologies deforming the nail plate
It is best to first consult a podiatrist because the vast majority of ingrown toenails can be treated without resorting to surgery.
In fact, the podiatrist will be able, thanks to his tools, to remove the spur and provide appropriate care, as well as carry out a complete follow-up.
If left untreated, the pain becomes increasingly severe and almost omnipresent. The ingrown toenail becomes infected and may be accompanied by a purulent discharge. The ridge becomes hypertrophic and a large red bud called botryomycoma appears. The intensified pain causes difficulty walking.
For these reasons, it is important to begin treatment of the ingrown toenail as quickly as possible in order to relieve the pain and avoid worsening.
The advice to apply is to favor the wearing of suitable shoes, not heels, but rather wide and flexible shoes; leave the nail in the open air as often as possible while disinfecting it regularly; favor support stockings and tights with "open toes", as well as follow the instructions of the podiatrist regarding the cutting of the nail.
BT Podiatry
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