How to Identify

An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail begins to curve downward and grows into the skin. It can happen to any one of the toenails but usually occurs in the big toenail. Referred to in the medical world as "onychocryptosis", an ingrown toenail can be easily identified when there is inflammation around where the top or side of the nail meets the skin. It can be characterized by a sensation that the nail is digging into the skin and causes substantial pain.

Causes

• Often times, ingrown toenails are genetic occurrences. A naturally more rounded nail can be inherited by some people.
• Improper clipping of the toenails (cutting them too short)
• Wearing shoes or socks that are too tight
• Toenail fungal infections
• Losing a toenail or injuring it (stubbing or dropping something on it)
• Foot swelling
• Having fleshy toes
• Pressure onto one toe from another

Symptoms

• Tenderness and swelling of the skin around the toenail
• Pain, irritation and redness
• Feeling of warmth around the toenail
• Extra skin growing near the top of the nail (if left untreated)
• Possible infection characterized by a yellowish fluid seeping out of the toenail (if left untreated)

Recommendations

Some at-home remedies can be considered when dealing with ingrown toenails. First, make sure not to trim your toenails any shorter than the tip of the toe. Cutting them shorter will expose the soft pink tissue under the toenail and can cause inflammation. Second, clip your toenails straight across the top, not rounded. A rounded toenail is more likely to start growing downward and into the skin. Third, soak your feet in hot water with moisturizing bath salt or oils. Fourth, take ibuprofen or some other form of over-the-counter pain relief medication. And last but not least, wear comfortable shoes, preferably with an insole allowing room for the toes. Preventing tough rubbing against the inflamed area will help keep your feet stay comfortable. If none of these home remedies show improvement within three days, it is recommended that you see a doctor.

Why You Need HappyFeet® Insoles

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you may be experiencing an ingrown toenail. HappyFeet® Insoles are what you need to help make any pair of shoes comfortable to wear even when you have an ingrown toenail. Happy Feet® Insoles have adjustable lengths which will prevent crowding inside of the shoe and give your toes plenty of room to wiggle around. This is perfect for dealing with an ingrown toenail because prevention of rubbing against the toe is very important. Happy Feet Insoles® are designed to fit many different types of shoes. Whether you are just walking around or playing a low impact sport like golf, bowling, hiking, or aerobics, these insoles will allow you to switch them from a pair of dress shoes to a sportier shoe. You don't have to let this condition control what shoes you are able to wear or what activities you can participate in.