An ingrown toenail, as the name implies, occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the neighboring skin. This condition doesn’t merely cause pain—if left untreated, it can result in an infection. These consequences can be especially severe for diabetic patients, sometimes even resulting in gangrene. That’s why the specialists at  New York’s Advanced Foot Care Center of Rochester recommend understanding the causes of ingrown toenails. These foot doctors know when patients are familiar with how they might develop these conditions, they’re more likely to avoid them.

Potential causes of an ingrown toenail include the following:

• Tight Shoes: Be careful not to wear shoes that are too small or tight around the toes. Over time, this can cause the nails to crowd together. With no space to grow outward, they grow inward towards the skin. If you frequently wear tight shoes and have been suffering from foot pain, get a different pair.
• Improper Trimming: When cutting your toenails, be careful, making sure to cut them straight and even. Toenails that haven’t been properly cut can grow in irregular directions, potentially leading to an ingrown toenail.
• Curved Toenails: Sometimes, people’s toenails are unusually curved. That’s why it’s important to seek treatment from a foot doctor. They can identify this early warning sign, providing you with suggestions for proper care.
• Injury: If you’ve recently suffered an injury around your toenails, when the damaged section grows back, it might grow into the skin. Monitor the condition of your toenails after an injury and get in touch with a specialist if you notice any irregularities or experience any pain.

For more information, schedule an appointment at Advanced Foot Care Center of Rochester, treating patients in the Western New York region. They’ll let you know what you can do to treat an ingrown toenail and avoid them in the future. Contact them online to learn about becoming a patient, or call (585) 249-0020.