Orlando Magic player Evan Fournier is no stranger to injuries. He has recovered from an injury on his upper lip and dislocating his pinkie finger. But Fournier continues to suffer from one injury that he hasn’t recovered from yet: an ingrown toenail. Fournier says that the afflicted toe causes “so much anguish” and extreme discomfort. Despite the pain, he finds himself playing through his games with the condition.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, consult with Dr. Edwin S. Hart of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
- Bacterial infections
- Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
- Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
- Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
- Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bethelehem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.