Ingrown Toenail Causes and Symptoms

There are a couple of reasons why we see many patients for ingrown toenail treatment. One is that the condition does not discriminate when it comes to age, gender, or other factors: anyone with toenails could have a nail that becomes ingrown. Beyond that simple fact, there are several ingrown toenail causes, which gives everyone multiple opportunities to develop the problem. Fortunately, knowing what causes them can enable you to take measures to reduce your risk of sustaining one in the first place!

The following often contribute to ingrowing nails:
ingrown toenail causes and symptoms

Ill-fitting footwear. Shoes that are too small or too tight squash the toes together in the front, and crowded toenails can start to grow into the soft skin flanking them.
Physical trauma. Dropping something heavy on your foot or stubbing a toe by kicking something with a lot of force can lead to the development of an ingrown toenail.
Improper nail trimming practices. Trimming nails too short and rounding them off can encourage toenails to grow into the skin. Instead, make sure you clip them straight across and even with the edge of the respective toes.
Inherited nail structure. If you have a close relative, like a parent or sibling, who has ingrown toenails, the odds are considerably higher that you will also develop one. Unfortunately, this is one cause that is not particularly avoidable. What you can do, though, is be mindful of the symptoms and address the problem at the earliest opportunity.

Watch for these symptoms of ingrown toenails:

Swollen skin surrounding the toenail
Redness and pain
Tenderness along the sides of the nail
Infected tissue around the toenail

If you notice any of these symptoms, there are measures you can take at home which might be able to effectively address the condition. For cases that are severe or recurring, or if you simply would prefer to have a professional handle it for you, give Dallas Podiatry Works a call and set up an appointment at one of our offices and we will be glad to help.

You can reach our Dallas, TX office at 972.853.7100, our Plano office at (972) 943-3323. Of course, you can also request your appointment online right on our website.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.