Ingrown Toenail Hurt!

Perhaps not the most glamorous injury, but ingrown toenails are easily one of the more common and painful foot problems around. In fact, in a recent survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association, they were listed in the top three with heel pain and blisters as the other most common complaints.

Also known as Onychocryptosis, there are a variety of ways an athlete could suffer from the problem. Excessive pressure on the outside of the great toe, stubbing or having a toe stepped on, tight socks and shoes, even improper trimming of your nails can cause ingrown toenails. Don't forget the dreaded toenail fungus (Onychomycosis) which can cause an abnormally shaped nail that tends to get ingrown.

The pain isn't easy to deal with, as most athletes are usually always on their feet! With running and most other sports being a dynamic in nature, training and racing with an ingrown toenail can be incredibly painful. Soreness and sensitivity along the margins of the toenails may lead to infection (watery discharge, blood, pus). If infected, immediately visit a podiatrist.

If uninfected, treat the feet by soaking them in either salt or warm soapy water. Drying them thoroughly, applying a mild antiseptic solution, and bandaging the toe will make a difference.

However, if the athlete takes proper care of their feet, ingrown toenails can be certainly prevented. Make sure your shoes are long and wide enough. Don't forget that socks come in sizes as well. Cut your nails straight across. Keep your toenail clipper clean. Don't pick at them or try to perform bathroom surgery! And treat fungus as soon as it shows it's ugly head!

Category: Skin and Nail Problems

Labels: APMA diabetic foot tips foot doctor foot pain Grapevine Texas foot doctor toenail fungus Texas toenail pain

3 Comments to "Ingrown Toenail Hurt!"

Nice article. Ingrown toenail embarrassing, annoying and even painful.

Posted by yellow toenail treatment on May 19, 2011 at 07:58 PM

Nice article. I want to add something in it.Ingrown toenails may be inherited.It is the result of trauma, such as stubbing your toe, having an object fall on your toe, or engaging in activities that involve repeated pressure on the toes.

Posted by linda dale on March 31, 2011 at 07:00 AM

I found it helpful. Thanks for Information.

Posted by ellatorres on March 29, 2011 at 01:31 AM

Practice Specialties

Sports Medicine

Foot and ankle athletic injuries are very common. We specialize in sports medicine getting you back to sports as soon as possible. The most common foot and ankle sports injuries are plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, peroneal tendonitis, stress fractures, posterior tibial tendonitis, anterior tibial tendonitis, neuromas, tarsal tunnel syndrome, ankle instability, and metatarsalgia. Gait problems can also cause ileotibial band syndrome, patella tendonitis, back pain, hip pain and piriformis syndrome. Medications, injections, splinting, orthotics and/or physical therapy are often quite helpful in treating most injuries. Our doctors will discuss your injury and prescribe a course of treatment that will return you to sport stronger than when you came into the office.

Trauma

Fall down, go boom? Foot and ankle trauma is extremely common no matter how young or old you are. Fractures, torn ligaments and tendons, sprain and strains, puncture wounds and toenail trauma occurs every day. Our physicians can help put you back together so that you can recover from your accident as fast as possible. Don't wait too long to seek medical advice after your accident or injury. Delaying treatment often only worsens the problem!

Skin and Nail Problems

Skin and toenail problems can be extremely annoying and painful. Itchy feet, sweaty feet, smelly feet, ingrown toenails, warts and fungal infections like tinea pedis and onychomycosis can lead to much bigger foot problems. Diabetic infections and ulcerations can lead to amputation and death! Don't ignore dermatology problems in your feet! Our doctors can help you with life's little annoyances and make sure you don't end up with a major pain in your foot due to skin and nail problems. State of the art treatments are now available for toenail fungus! You don't have to live with ugly toenails any more!

Foot Pain and Deformities

Foot pain related to congenital and acquired foot and ankle deformities is extremely prevalent in our society. Pain can be from flat feet or a high arched foot and associated gait problems; or be from a progressive deformity like a bunion or a hammertoe. Our doctors are extensively trained to diagnose and treat the underlying deformity to help you function at your best. We want to prevent your problems from getting worse, no matter what you inherited from your family! God may have had a sense of humor when he created your feet, but we will work with you to optimize your biomechanical function and aesthetics! No one should suffer from ugly, painful feet!

Nerve-Related Foot Problems

Neurological foot and ankle issues can be a burning or shooting pain, numbness, weakness or just a "pins and needles" sensation. Nerve can be affected by compression at the spine level, knee level, ankle level or in your foot. Neuropathy can be a subtle nerve degeneration from aging, diabetes, and a myriad of other causes. Do not assume your nerve issues will go away or that nothing can be done. A proper diagnosis can lead to alleviation of your nerve troubles.

Healthy Steps Shoe Store & Spa

Healthy Steps Shoe Store and Spa welcomes patients and their families as well as the surrounding communities of Grapevine, Southlake, Colleyville and beyond to help them with their therapeutic shoe gear needs. A certified pedorthotist is always available by appointment for consultation, and safe pedicures by a licensed medical nail technician highlight your spa experience. An extensive array of prefabricated and custom orthotics as well as many foot care essentials are also readily available to compliment your shoe and sandal purchases. We carry a wide variety of comfort shoe gear that are as pretty as they are comfortable.