Podiatry

There can be inflammation and pain when a nail edge grows into the adjacent skin. It usually happens on the sides or the ends of the big toes, although it can happen in the lesser toenails as well. If left untreated, the inflamed area may become infected and discharge pus.

Ingrown toenails are a common problem in adolescents or young adults.

Causes

• Improper trimming of toenails.
• Tight-fitting shoes or high heels that compress the toes, as they pressurize the nail to grow abnormally.
• Prolonged wearing of shoes, creating marked perspiration on the foot. This is very common among sporty adolescent males.
• Trauma or injury to the nail.
• Disorders such as fungal infections of the nail can also cause a thickened or widened toenail to develop.

How podiatry can help

• Our podiatrist can remove the offending nail spike with as minimal pain as possible using special nail clippers, to provide instant pain relief. Subsequent nail growth will have to be monitored closely.
• Depending on the severity, the podiatrist can perform conservative management by regular trimming and filing of the nails and applying cotton packing on the nail borders.
• If conservative management fails and the ingrown toenail recurs, the podiatrist will recommend for nail surgery.

Let our podiatrists help you with your condition.