Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are a common cause of toe pain. Usually occurring on the lateral (outer) side of the large toe, they are caused by abnormal growth of the nail plate into the surrounding tissue. The affected tissue responds to the invading nail plate as if it were a foreign body and becomes painful, inflamed, and occasionally infected. Common causes of ingrown toenails in athletes are poorly fitting shoes, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), and improper nail trimming. This problem is rarely seen in preteens, and its incidence ...