Ingrown toenails occur when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and sometimes infection. They are most common in the big toe but can affect any toe.

Causes:

• Improper nail trimming (curving at the edges instead of straight across).
• Wearing tight shoes or socks.
• Toe injuries.
• Genetic predisposition.

Prevention:

• Trim nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short.
• Wear footwear with a roomy toe box.
• Keep feet clean and dry.

When to Seek Professional Help:

If you notice pus, spreading redness, or persistent pain, see a podiatrist promptly. Untreated ingrown nails can lead to more serious infections, especially in people with diabetes.

Treatment Options:

• Lifting the nail and placing a small splint underneath to help it grow above the skin.
• Partial nail removal under local anesthesia.
• Permanent removal of the problem portion of the nail in recurring cases.

Don’t let ingrown toenails limit your mobility—early treatment leads to faster, less painful recovery.