• Also known as onychocryptosis

• Caused when nail grows into the surrounding skin or the skin grows over the nail and is often extremely painful

• Can often become infected making the condition more painful and uncomfortable; infections can become chronic

What causes it?

• Cutting nails too short or rounding them at the corners
• Poorly fitting shoes, especially high heels
• Hereditary or congenital conditions
• Other foot problems such as claw toes, hammer toes, or arthritis can cause the toes to be in a position that often leads to the onset of ingrown nails
• Trauma such as stubbing or dropping something heavy on the toe
• Jarring activities such as running may result in ingrown toenails in certain foot types

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain, redness, warmth, and swelling
• Pus formation is sometimes apparent in infected nails

Prevention and Treatments

• Proper nail cutting technique, straight across and not rounding the corners
• Trimming and smoothing of nail beneath the skin to remove portion digging into the skin
• Dressing with surgical gauze to promote drainage and topical antibiotic to relieve infection
• For severe or chronic conditions, particularly where infection is present, a simple in-office surgical technique may be performed to permanently remove all or a portion of the nail
• Footwear that is properly suited to your foot type. For an illustration of what to look for in footwear at your local shoe store for your type foot, click here. Your Chiropodist can provide further footwear advice

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