Why Do I Keep Getting Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails are a common and painful issue that can affect people of all ages and activity levels. For some, it’s a rare annoyance, but for others, it’s a recurring problem. At Align Foot & Ankle, we help patients understand the underlying causes of ingrown toenails and offer solutions like the Onyfix Nail Correction System, permanent nail removal, and custom orthotics to provide relief and prevent future occurrences.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes infection. Common causes include:
- Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
- Poor Foot Structure: Conditions like flat feet, high arches, or bunions can change the pressure and alignment of the toes, increasing the risk of ingrown nails.
- Tight or Ill-Fitting Shoes: Shoes that pinch your toes or put pressure on the nails can force them into the skin.
- High Activity Levels: Runners, athletes, and people who spend a lot of time on their feet may develop ingrown toenails from repetitive trauma, pressure, or poorly fitting footwear.
- Genetics and Nail Shape: Some people are predisposed to ingrown toenails due to the natural shape of their nails or family history.
Can Custom Orthotics Help Prevent Ingrown Toenails?
Yes! If poor foot structure contributes to your recurring ingrown toenails, custom orthotics can help by improving alignment and reducing pressure on the toes. At Align Foot & Ankle, Dr. Ho-Ellsworth uses gait plate scans and 3D imaging to create orthotics that are tailored to your unique foot shape.
How Custom Orthotics Help:
- Distribute weight evenly across the foot, reducing excessive pressure on the toes.
- Improve alignment, preventing the toes from crowding or overlapping.
- Alleviate issues related to flat feet or high arches, which can exacerbate nail problems.
By addressing the root cause, orthotics not only help prevent ingrown toenails but also improve overall foot function and comfort.
How Are Ingrown Toenails Treated at Align Foot & Ankle?
Whether you’re experiencing mild or severe ingrown toenails, we offer effective treatments to suit your needs.
The Onyfix Nail Correction System
This non-invasive, painless solution is ideal for patients looking to avoid surgery.
How It Works:
- A flexible polymer is applied to the nail.
- It hardens into a support system that guides the nail to grow straight over time.
- Onyfix offers relief without the need for downtime or invasive procedures.
Permanent Partial Nail Margin Removal for Chronic Cases
For patients with frequent or severe ingrown toenails, removing the problematic portion of the nail may be the best option.
Procedure Overview:
- After numbing the area, only the affected nail margin (the edge causing the ingrown) is carefully removed.
- The nail root (matrix) in the treated area can be addressed to stop regrowth of the problematic margin.
- Healing is quick, and this procedure effectively prevents future ingrown toenails in the treated area—without removing the entire nail.
How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails
In addition to treatment, we recommend these prevention tips:
- Trim Nails Properly: Always cut nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short.
- Wear the Right Shoes: Choose footwear that fits well and provides enough room for your toes.
- Use Custom Orthotics: Address underlying foot structure issues to reduce pressure on the nails.
- Protect Your Feet: Active individuals should wear protective shoes and avoid repetitive trauma to the toes.
Get Relief Today
Recurring ingrown toenails can disrupt your daily life, but they don’t have to. Whether you’re an athlete, have poor foot structure, or are simply tired of the pain, Align Foot & Ankle offers the solutions you need.
From the Onyfix Nail Correction System to custom orthotics and permanent nail removal, Dr. Ho-Ellsworth provides personalized care to keep your feet healthy and pain-free.
Contact Align Foot & Ankle
- Phone: 512-882-4911
- Location: 1600 W 1600 W 38th St #408, Austin, TX 78731
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