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Common
foot complaints:
Ingrown
toe nails
Definition
A true ingrown toe nail is a nail that instead of growing forward and out as
usual, actually grows into the flesh. The big toe is most commonly effected,
however any toe nail can ingrow.
There are many
factors that can contribute to the development of an ingrown toe nail.
Common factors include the shape
of the nail, abnormal pressure upon the
surrounding flesh pushing it against the nail and a poor nail cutting technique.
Whatever the cause, the problem is best dealt with as soon as it develops.
Incidence
/ Age
An ingrown toe nail is a common foot health complaint. They can occur
at any age, though most commonly in adolescence.
Symptoms /
Signs
An ingrown toe nail will usually result in pain on compression of the
flesh about the toe nail. As it develops the toe will throb and become
very painful
to touch.
The flesh about the nail may appear inflamed (hot, red and swollen) and
occasionally discharge from the surrounding skin may be noted. Ingrown
toe nails are often
complicated by infection.
Treatment
All ingrown toe nails require a visit to a State Registered Podiatrist
/ Chiropodist or Doctor. If inflammation about the toe appearsto be
spreading towards the foot,
immediate treatment with antibioticsmay be required to arrest and treat
any
active infection.
Self treatment
There are no effective self treatments available for a true ingrown
toe nail. Your best course of action is to consult a State Registered
Podiatrist
/
Chiropodist or your General Practitioner.
Clinical and
surgical treatments
Most ingrown
toe nails are best addressed surgically. There are a number of surgical
procedures that are used to
cure ingrown toe nails.
It
is not always necessary
to remove the whole nail, often the removal of a small section
of nail from the ingrown side is sufficient. Different techniques are
employed
during
the operation
to prevent the removed nail regrowing, making the result of the
operation
permanent. Nail surgery is usually carried out under a local
anaesthetic. The anaesthetics
used removes all pain sensation during the procedure.
Some ingrown
toe nails can be treated conservatively. Conservative care is indicated
for ingrown nails that may be the result of a
poor nail
cutting technique or
for individuals who’s general health may contraindicate
surgical intervention.
Outcome / Prognosis
Ingrown toe nails always require professional consultation
and treatment. Conservative and surgical treatments are available
to
alleviate or
cure the condition. Once
correctly treated future problems with the affected nail
are very unlikely. Cosmetically nail surgery need not be notable
in the
majority of cases. back
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