Ingrown toenails can be a painful and often troublesome condition that significantly impacts daily life. In this case study, we will share the experience of Joan, a patient at Well Heeled Podiatry, who sought help for a right first ingrown toenail. This real-life scenario demonstrates the importance of professional treatment and the role of proper footwear and preventative care in managing this common podiatric issue.
Joan’s Initial Concerns: A Painful Ingrown Toenail
Joan, a patient at Well Heeled Podiatry, presented with a concern regarding her right first toenail. She reported that the nail seemed to dig into the side skin of her foot, particularly causing irritation and discomfort when wearing certain shoes. This type of problem can be frustrating, as it can severely limit footwear choices and interfere with daily activities.
Upon examining Joan’s toe, we identified a condition known as involuted nails—a situation where the nails are more curved than flat. In Joan’s case, her right first toenail was quite long and significantly involuted, which caused the nail edge to pierce the side skin, exacerbating the discomfort she had been experiencing.
The Importance of Proper Assessment and Early Intervention
When Joan first came to the clinic, she was clearly experiencing the painful consequences of this ingrown toenail. It’s important to note that ignoring ingrown toenails can lead to increased pain, infection, and further complications down the line. Early intervention, as seen in Joan’s case, is key to preventing long-term issues.
Our team took immediate steps to assess the situation. We cut, cleared, and filed her nail to remove any sharp edges that could further irritate the surrounding skin. Ensuring that there were no remaining sharp or jagged pieces of nail helped to alleviate the immediate discomfort she was feeling.
Footwear: A Critical Factor in Foot Health
Upon reviewing Joan’s footwear, it became clear that the shoes she was wearing were contributing to the problem. They were too narrow and had a pointed toe box, which was exerting additional pressure on the already sensitive area of her toe. Footwear that is too tight or does not allow enough space for the toes to move freely can worsen the symptoms of ingrown toenails.
To resolve this, we advised Joan to switch to wider shoes with a larger toe box. This change would reduce the friction and pressure on her big toe, thus alleviating some of the discomfort and preventing further aggravation of the ingrown toenail.
Preventing Recurrence: Custom Nail Bracing
Joan’s nails were very curved, which made her more susceptible to recurring ingrown toenails. To prevent future issues, we recommended custom nail bracing—a non-invasive method that helps to straighten the nail over time. This technique helps flatten the nail and prevents it from curving over and causing further irritation to the surrounding skin. Joan responded very well to the custom nail bracing, with great results in flattening her nail and significantly reducing the chances of her toenail re-growing in a problematic way.
The Potential for Surgical Intervention
While Joan’s case was successfully managed with conservative treatments, it’s important to acknowledge that there are situations where surgery may be necessary. If the conservative approach had failed, we would have considered a procedure called partial nail avulsion. This surgical intervention involves removing a portion of the toenail under local anesthetic. Fortunately, Joan did not need this step, as her condition improved significantly with the custom nail bracing.
Conclusion
Joan’s case underscores the importance of seeking professional help early when dealing with an ingrown toenail. With proper assessment and treatment, discomfort can be alleviated, and the risk of further complications can be minimised. Here are a few takeaways from this case:
- Don’t ignore ingrown toenails: Left untreated, they can lead to infections, severe pain, and even the need for surgery.
- Proper footwear is essential: Tight, narrow shoes with a pointed toe box can worsen the condition. A wider shoe with more room for the toes can reduce pressure and prevent irritation.
- Custom nail bracing can be a game-changer: For those with involuted or curved nails, this non-invasive solution can help prevent future ingrown toenails.
- Surgical intervention is a last resort: In extreme cases, partial nail avulsion may be required, but with early and appropriate treatment, this step can often be avoided.
Ingrown toenails might seem like a minor issue, but as Joan’s case shows, they can cause significant pain and disruption in daily life. Seeking prompt and professional treatment, making appropriate footwear choices, and using preventative methods like custom nail bracing can help ensure long-term foot health and comfort.
FAQs About Managing Ingrown Toenails
What Is An Ingrown Toenail, And How Does It Happen?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and can be caused by improper footwear, cutting nails too short, injury, or genetic factors that cause nails to grow in a curved shape.
How Can I Prevent Ingrown Toenails?
To prevent ingrown toenails, consider the following tips:
- Trim nails properly: Cut toenails straight across rather than rounding the edges to prevent the nail from digging into the skin.
- Wear proper footwear: Choose shoes with a wide toe box to avoid putting pressure on the toes.
- Keep feet clean and dry: This helps prevent infections and irritation that can lead to ingrown toenails.
- Avoid tight socks or stockings: Tight clothing can put extra pressure on the toenails, contributing to the development of ingrown nails.
How Can A Podiatrist Help Treat An Ingrown Toenail?
A podiatrist can provide a variety of treatments for ingrown toenails, including:
- Trimming and filing the nail to remove sharp edges that are irritating the skin.
- Custom nail bracing: A non-invasive treatment to reshape the nail and prevent further ingrowth.
- Antibiotics: If there is an infection, a podiatrist may prescribe antibiotics or recommend a topical treatment. In severe cases, the podiatrist may recommend surgery, such as partial nail avulsion, to remove part of the nail and prevent recurrence.
Can Ingrown Toenails Heal On Their Own, Or Do I Need Professional Help?
In some cases, mild ingrown toenails can be managed at home with proper nail care, such as soaking the toe in warm water, using over-the-counter treatments, and wearing appropriate footwear. However, if the condition worsens, becomes infected, or causes significant pain, it is important to seek professional help from a podiatrist to avoid complications and ensure proper healing.
What Are The Signs That My Ingrown Toenail Is Infected?
Signs of infection include:
- Increased redness and swelling around the toenail.
- Pus or drainage from the affected area.
- Severe pain or tenderness when touching the toe. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a podiatrist for immediate treatment to prevent the infection from spreading or causing further complications.
