An ingrown nail (Onychocryptosis) is a very common condition that is caused when the offending nail is growing or being pushed into the nail fold or skin. This will lead to significant pain and sometimes develops mild to severe infections.

Common causes of ingrown nails

• Cutting or digging corner of nail (commonly called bathroom surgery)
• Fungus
• Trauma
• Heredity
• Tight shoes

Treatments
The following treatments are commonly utilized and recommended at the Foot and Ankle Center:
• Soaking in Epson salt and warm water
• Antibiotic ointments
• Oral antibiotics or intravenous antibiotics in severe cases
• Surgical removal of the offending ingrown nail border either permanently or non-permanently
• Increase width of toe box of the shoe

Nailcare
Nail care is a common treatment for diabetics and other patients that either are at risk secondary to poor circulation or have various disabilities.
This treatment includes appropriate trimming of ingrown, fungal, or abnormal nails. Decisions are made about whether topical and oral treatments or surgical interventions are necessary for further treatment. Sometimes nail biopsies are completed for aiding in appropriate diagnosis.