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What does it mean when your toenails hurt?

What does it mean when your toenails hurt?

An ingrown toenail may cause pain, redness, swelling and, sometimes, an infection around the toenail. Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh. The result is pain, redness, swelling and, sometimes, an infection.

How do you get rid of toenail pain?

Here’s how:

  1. Soak your feet in warm water. Do this for 15 to 20 minutes three to four times a day.
  2. Place cotton or dental floss under your toenail. After each soaking, put fresh bits of cotton or waxed dental floss under the ingrown edge.
  3. Apply antibiotic cream.
  4. Choose sensible footwear.
  5. Take pain relievers.

Does toenail pain go away?

They will not go away without intervention, but people can usually treat them at home over a few days. A person should speak to a doctor if: the ingrown toenail does not improve with home care. they have an underlying health condition that affects the feet, such as diabetes.

When should you worry about a toenail?

When to see a doctor See your doctor about any abnormal changes to your toenails or if you experience signs of infection, such as redness, severe pain, or drainage of pus. Any red or black lines down the nails also require an evaluation by your doctor.

What is the reason for nail pain?

Common causes of fingernail problems include injury, infection and skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. Causes of toenail problems include trauma, ill-fitting shoes, poor circulation, poor nerve supply and infection. Problems with toenails can be successfully treated by a podiatrist.

Can long toenails cause toe pain?

Long nails can cut into adjoining toes and this can lead to infection. Long nails are also more prone to pushing against footwear and this can cause trauma to the nail plate and lead to thickened toenails. Excess pressure on toenails can also lead to corns and callus developing underneath the nail plate, causing pain.

Why is my big toenail throbbing?

An ingrown toenail can cause throbbing pain in your toe and it may not be immediately obvious that an ingrown nail is the cause of the pain.

Why do my nails hurt when I touch them?

Nail infection (paronychia) One common cause of nail pain is a nail infection. In addition to pain, nail infections tend to cause swelling and redness of the finger, especially around the cuticle. Nail infections may also cause the nail to thicken, and pus to drain from around the nail.

Why do my toenails hurt when they are long?

Long nails are also more prone to pushing against footwear and this can cause trauma to the nail plate and lead to thickened toenails. Excess pressure on toenails can also lead to corns and callus developing underneath the nail plate, causing pain.

Why does my big toenail hurt at night?

The cause is most often either: ill-fitting shoes (sure, those tight pointy pumps look great), improperly trimmed toenails (usually too short), or an injury, such as stubbing your toe. If you’re an avid walker, runner, or participate in sports, footwear that’s even slightly tight can result in an ingrown toenail.

What are some of the symptoms of toenail problems?

Pain, itching, and discoloration are just some of the signs of toenail problems. There are a number of toenail abnormalities that can cause anything from pain to a change in a toenail’s appearance. Here’s a look at some common toenail problems, what causes them, and their symptoms.

What happens if you leave toenail fungus untreated?

The early signs and symptoms do not give any type of discomfort, which makes it easy to dismiss. Although it may not seem to be bothersome, leaving nail fungus untreated can lead to serious complications. Foot and nail pain, spread of fungal infection to surrounding nails and skin, risk for other body infections,…

Why does my toenail hurt when I wear shoes?

Onychomycosis can cause thickening and discoloration of the toenail. Changes in the nail can also cause pain, especially with pressure on the nail while wearing shoes. It can usually be treated with medicated nail polish—you can find it at your local pharmacy. If symptoms linger, see your doctor, who can prescribe antifungal medication.

When to see a doctor for toenail pain?

People who have diabetes or problems with decreased blood flow are more likely to develop foot infections that can cause toenail pain. In many cases, toenail pain can be treated at home. But you should call your doctor if at-home treatments don’t work, your toenail pain worsens, or you notice drainage or pus around the nail.