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What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

Is your ingrown nail a real nuisance or too painful to bear? If so, you should speak with an expert podiatrist. Fortunately, Drs. Dallin Greene and Nathan Judd of Big Sky Foot and Ankle Institute in Anaconda, Bozeman, and Butte, MT, can help you!

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

Ingrown toenails are when toenails dig into the skin of your feet. This may result in pain and an infection that persists if not taken care of immediately. Ingrown toenails have many symptoms or sign, some of which include skin that is:

  • Hard
  • Swollen
  • Tender
  • Sore
  • Red

If you notice these symptoms are worsening, even after using home remedies, then you may need to contact your Anaconda, Bozeman, and Butte podiatrist. This may mean you have an ingrown toenail and need professional medical care.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis, are caused by a number of issues including:

  • Someone not trimming toenails properly, like cutting nails too short, especially the big toes
  • Deciding to wear shoes that are too tight or short, which results in overcrowded toes
  • Repeated trauma or injury to your feet
  • Disease like fungus infections
  • Inheriting a poor foot structure

Preventing Ingrown Toenails

  • Trim your toenails straight across so avoid cutting your nails in a curve.
  • If you have diabetes or any disease that inhibits proper blood flow to your feet, make sure you visit your podiatrist regularly.
  • Keep toenails at a moderate length so as to have even tips and avoid pressure against shoes.
  • Wear shoes that fit properly to avoid pressure on toes from overcrowdedness, and opt for specialized shoe stores if need be.
  • Wear protective footwear, like steel-toed shoes, if your work puts you at risk of injuring your toes.

Do You Need to Speak to a Podiatrist?

Drs. Dallin Greene and Nathan Judd of Big Sky Foot and Ankle Institute in Anaconda, Bozeman, and Butte, MT, can help you! Just give them a call at (406) 782-2278 today!