If you’re lucky enough to hold tickets to see the amazing Canadian Brass quintet perform at the Jacksonville, FL Jacoby Symphony Hall this weekend, you will need to find a nice outfit to wear… Complete with snazzy, properly fitting, supportive, shoes!  If you failed to catch the “properly fitting and supportive” part, you may fall victim to an ingrown toenail. An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis or unguis incarnates, is a potentially painful, yet common condition of the toe. It occurs when a sharp corner of the toenail digs into the skin at the end or side(s) of the toe. Pain and/or discomfort and inflammation at the spot where the nail curls into the skin occur first. Increased sensitivity to pressure, even the weight of bed sheets, can induce pain as the nail further punctures the tissue. Later, the same area can begin to grow extra tissue, making removal of the excess nail more complex, and potentially a need to drain yellowish fluid. The main cause of onychocryptosis is:

• Unsuitable footwear, including shoes with inadequate room in the “toe box”
• Tight stockings that apply top and or side pressures

Less frequently, ingrown toenails can result from:

• Damp atmosphere of enclosed shoes
• Genetics
• Trauma
• Other diseases

4 Facts about Ingrown toenails!

1. Ingrown toenails are common in adults but uncommon in children and infants
2. They are more common in men than in women
3. Young adults in their 20s or 30s are most at risk
4. Any toenail can become ingrown, but the condition is usually found in the big toe

How to know an ingrown toenail may be infected:

• Fever
• Lighter skin surrounded by red skin
• Worsening pain and swelling

If are experiencing any of these symptoms you have suffered long enough. Even if the ingrown toenail is only inflamed without infection, it’s important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Reddy at the First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinic to ensure the problem does not worsen.