Common Causes And Complications Of Ingrown Nails

Shoes That Crowd Toenails

Shoes that crowd the toenails are more likely to cause an ingrown toenail, especially if individuals have long nails. This is part of why experts recommend keeping toenails no longer than the tips of the toes. If individuals have long toenails that press against the front of their shoes, the pressure can force their nail into the side or bottom of the nail bed. High heels and some boots often have narrow toe boxes that can pinch the toes and toenails. It's important to look for shoes that fit well. The toes should be roomy enough that the feet don't feel crowded. If individuals wear improperly fitting shoes, they'll have a higher chance of developing injuries and structural abnormalities like bunions. Individuals with nerve damage in their feet might struggle to sense whether their shoes fit them properly or not. If individuals do have foot problems, they should try to buy their footwear from a store that specializes in shoes for those who have foot issues. The experts there can help customers find the right fit.

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Bone Infection

Serious complications from an ingrown toenail are rare. Many individuals have an ingrown toenail at some point during their lives, but not many of them develop a serious enough condition to need medical treatment. However, there have been cases where an ingrown toenail leads to a bone infection, which is also called osteomyelitis. There are several ways for bones to become infected beyond ingrown nails. Sometimes an infection spreads through an individual's bloodstream and into their bone, or another open wound causes the bone to be exposed to infection. Staph bacteria are the most common bacterial causes of bone infections. If individuals have diabetes and nerve damage in their feet, they may be more likely to develop a bone infection because of the inability to tell when they have an ingrown toenail. Only two individuals in every ten thousand will ever develop osteomyelitis. Both children and adults can be affected, and individuals may be at an increased risk if their immune system is compromised.

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