Ingrown toenails are a painful condition characterized by the nail digging into the surrounding skin, leading to inflammation and possible infection in the toe. This is a serious condition for people with impaired circulation or other systemic diseases.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

• Heredity
• Improper nail trimming
• Trauma
• Shoe pressure
• Poor foot structure

Prevention

• Trim toenails straight across
• Select the proper shoe for size and fit
• Avoid shoe gear with narrow toe boxes

Treatment

• Foot soaks in warm water with Epsom salt
• Partial or complete nail removal by a podiatrist
• Shoe gear modification with wider toe boxes