An ingrown toenail is a condition where the nail grows into the soft tissue of the toe, often occurring on the big toe. It can cause pain and difficulty walking. Genetic predispositions, long periods of walking, uncomfortable footwear, and injuries can all contribute to this issue.
If you have a tendency for ingrown nails or notice abnormal nail growth, take preventive measures early. Avoid tight shoes, maintain proper hygiene, trim nails carefully, ideally by a professional, and pay extra attention to your foot health.
When symptoms like swelling, redness, and throbbing pain appear, seek professional help immediately to prevent infection. If neglected, the tissue around the nail can thicken and grow abnormally, increasing the risk of infection, especially for diabetics.
For recurrent problems, surgical intervention might be necessary. This involves removing the part of the nail that grows into the skin under local anesthesia. The procedure is painless, with stitches removed after about 10 days and a full recovery in about three weeks. Post-surgery, the nail plate is narrower, preventing future issues.