Ingrown Toenails

Posted on April 12, 2012 by LBrown, DPM

Toenails have ceased to perform their original function over the course of evolutionary history. Watch a cat climb a tree or defend himself in a brawl, and you have a good example of how man once used his nails. But the nails that we now keep delicately trimmed and buried in shoes can cause trouble.

A normal toenail grows from the nail bed in a straight line. But if a nail is broken or cut too closely at the corners, the surrounding flesh rushes to fill in the bare spot and the growing nail burrows into the skin. The result is an ingrown toenail and the accompanying pain and swelling in the adjoining tissue. Epsom salts or hot baths can not alleviate the problem, and trying to remove the ingrown toenail yourself can result in bleeding and infection. The solution is to have a portion of the ingrown nail removed by a podiatrist who is professionally trained to handle such problems.

If you would like to make an appointment with CenterLine podiatrist Dr. Brown, DPM to remove your ingrown toenail (or to discuss any other foot problem), please contact the Ryan Foot and Ankle Clinic today at 586-758-5770.