TOENAIL, INGROWN |
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General Information
DEFINITION--A condition in which the sharp edge of a nail grows into the flesh of a toe, usually the great (big) toe. Until treated, this problem may markedly hamper maximum athletic performance.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMSPain, tenderness, redness, swelling and heat in the toe where the sharp nail edge pierces the surrounding fold of tissue. Once tissue surrounding the nail becomes inflamed, infection usually develops in the injured area.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORSAn ingrown toenail is likely to accompany one of the following conditions:
The nail formation is more curved than normal.
The toenail is clipped back too far, allowing tissue to grow up over it.
Shoes fit poorly, forcing the toe of the shoe against the nail and surrounding tissue.
The person participates in activities that require sudden stops ("toe jamming").
HOW TO PREVENT
Wear roomy, well-fitting shoes and socks.
Cut toenails carefully. Persons with diabetes mellitus or peripheral vascular disease should be especially careful in trimming toenails. Foot injury is dangerous with these disorders because of impaired blood circulation to the feet.
Keep feet and toenails scrupulously clean.
Cut toenails the way they are shaped--not straight across.
Avoid excessive shoe pressure.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
SURGERYOften necessary to remove the nail.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSCurable with treatment. Oral antibiotics usually relieve symptoms of infection within 1 week. If an ingrown toenail occurs repeatedly despite preventive measures, then part or all of the toenail may be removed surgically and the nailbed scraped so the problem will not recur. The nail should grow back, but it might not look the same.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Chronic infection that cannot be cured without surgery.
Inflammation and arthritic changes in other parts of the body (such as ankle, knee, hip or back) due to the abnormal stress placed on them when normal standing and walking are not possible because of pain.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTNecessary for diagnosis and surgery.
HOME TREATMENTThe following home treatment is appropriate either before or after surgery:
Soak the toe for 20 minutes, twice a day, in a gallon of warm water with either 2 tablespoons of epsom salts or 2 tablespoons of a mild detergent.
Lift the nail corners gently and wedge a small piece of cotton under the ingrown nail edges.
Between soaks, apply Merthiolate and an antiseptic cream such as Neosporin or Bacitracin. Then apply an adhesive bandage strip to protect from injury.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight infection.
ACTIVITYResume your normal activities as soon as symptoms improve. You may need to wear a shoe with the toe cut out until the toe heals.
DIETEat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of an ingrown toenail.
The following occurs during treatment or after surgery:
Fever.
Increased pain.
Signs of infection (pain, redness, tenderness, swelling or heat) in the toe.
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