What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails can be frustrating to deal with and can be painful and irritating. It’s important to understand what might cause ingrown toenails so that you can avoid them from happening again in the future. Your podiatrists at Podiatry Services of CNY in Syracuse, NY, can explain the common causes of ingrown toenails and how you can prevent them from occurring.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Often, ingrown toenails are caused when the sides of the nails are cut too short, often on the big toe. When the nails are cut too short, they start to grow improperly and will grow into the side of the toe. This causes an ingrown toenail and can be painful and could even lead to infection. If left untreated, the skin could start to grow over the toenail, and it can be sore, red, and infected.

Ingrown toenails can also be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or too short for your foot, injuries, fungal infections, genetic causes, or because of poor foot structure. It’s important that you address all of these issues before they cause an ingrown toenail to save yourself the pain and irritation associated with ingrown toenails.

If you do contract an ingrown toenail, it’s important to see your podiatrist in Syracuse, NY, as soon as possible for treatment. This may be through antibiotics and you may even need part of your toenail removed so that it can regrow properly. This can usually be done within 30 minutes and you’ll be pain-free in nearly no time at all.

Contact Your Podiatrist Today

Find out what could be the cause of your ingrown toenail! Contact your podiatrists at Podiatry Services of CNY in Syracuse, NY, to learn more about ingrown toenails. Call for more information and to schedule your next appointment today at (315) 458-1777.