Can Improper Nail Trimming Cause Ingrown Toenails?

Have you noticed a red, swollen area next to your toenail? If so, you may have an ingrown toenail, and it may have been caused by improper nail trimming. This is especially true if the nails are cut too short or rounded at the corners instead of straight across. 

 At Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine, our team offers ingrown toenail treatment in Parker, CO for cases at every stage, from mild irritation to more advanced infections. Call today to schedule an appointment and get real relief from toe pain. 

What is an ingrown toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of the nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of straight out over it. It most often affects the big toe, though it can happen to any toe. The skin around the nail often becomes red, swollen, and tender. In some cases, bacteria can get in through the break in the skin, leading to infection, drainage, or a foul odor if left untreated. Patients should seek ingrown toenail treatment if home remedies haven't provided relief or if there are obvious signs of infection. 

Understanding improper nail trimming 

So how does improper nail trimming contribute to an ingrown toenail? Cutting the nail too short, especially at the corners, or rounding the edges instead of cutting straight across, encourages the surrounding skin to fold over the nail bed as the nail grows back. Other contributing factors to an ingrown toenail include wearing tight shoes, a recent injury to the toe, and naturally curved nails. Fortunately, treatment options are available for those experiencing discomfort or an infection. 

How we fix an ingrown toenail 

Treatment depends on how severe the ingrown toenail is. At our office, our experienced team members can usually fix an ingrown toenail with a straightforward, in-office approach:  

• Lifting the nail: Gently lifting the affected edge allows the nail to grow above the skin, relieving pressure and pain right away. 
• Removing the ingrown portion: If lifting alone isn't enough, we carefully remove the ingrown portion of the toenail. 
• Removing the entire nail: In more severe or recurring cases, ingrown toenail removal may be necessary to allow healthy new growth. 

Most patients notice significant relief from toe pain within a day or two, and the toe heals within a few weeks. Whether it takes a simple lift or full ingrown toenail removal, our goal is to fix an ingrown toenail with the least invasive approach possible. 

Get lasting relief from toe pain in Parker, CO 

An ingrown toenail doesn't have to keep interfering with your daily life and activities. Whether improper nail trimming is the cause or something else is going on, our staff at Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine can provide the ingrown toenail treatment you need, up to and including ingrown toenail removal for more advanced cases. Call today to schedule an appointment in Parker, CO, and take the first step toward comfortable, virtually pain-free feet.