Definition of Ingrown Toenails

In-Grown Toenails (onychocryptosis) is a common foot condition primarily because many individuals do not wear the appropriate type of shoe or the correct shoe- size. An In-Grown Toenail occurs when the skin on the side of the toenail grows over the edge of the nail or when the toenail grows into the skin. This can be a very painful condition which can substantially limit the activity of the individual who suffers from it.

Possible Causes of Ingrown Toenails

* Deformity - an abnormally shaped or excessively thick nail plate (surface area of the toenail) may lead to this condition.

* Improperly Fitted Footwear - wearing shoes that are too tight and do not provide the appropriate foot arch support or allow for the proper range of motion of the entire foot may be a contributing factor. Note: Improperly fitted socks that are too tight and inhibit the proper range of motion of the foot may result in this condition.

* Improper Foot Care - trimming the toenails too low and rounding them at the free edge may promote this condition. Note: Toenails should not be trimmed past the skin of the toe and the free edge should be filed straight across.

* Injury - trauma to the nail plate or the toe may cause this condition.

Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

Some cases of In-Grown Toenails are chronic with repeated episodes of pain and infection. It should be noted that pain may be present without the presence of infection and occasionally infection may be present without pain. The symptoms of this foot condition may include:

* Pain along the margin(s) of the affected toe/toes.

* Pain may be more intense while wearing shoes (particularly those with a narrow toe box).

* There may be an increased sensitivity to pressure (even from the weight of the bed sheets and blankets).

* There may be signs of infection (drainage of pus or a watery discharge tinged with blood, heat, inflammation and redness).

Possible Solutions for Ingrown Toenails

In addition to appropriate Foot Care, we at Hawley Lane Shoes believe that properly fitted footwear is crucial to overall footwellness. Wearing shoes that are too tight will inhibit the natural motion of the foot and may potentially lead to foot deformities. Proper range of motion combined with proper arch support will help to optimize the health and the biomechanics of the entire foot.

For example, over the past 10 years we have received positive feedback from an abundance of customers who suffered from In-Grown Toenails. These individuals have shared with us that they have experienced significant relief after wearing clogs, sandals, and shoes that provided their feet with a more functional arch support. As a matter of fact, many people notice almost instant relief once they have slipped on a pair of shoes that provide the proper arch support and allow for the proper range of motion of the foot.