We refer to ingrown toenails as a condition in which the toenail is curved and presses heavily against the skin, most commonly on the big toe. The person affected experiences severe pain as the nail fold becomes inflamed and infected. Subsequently, the paronychium gradually overgrows, covering the nail plate, while simultaneously forming a granuloma with an discharge of pus, serum, and blood.
The main causes of onychocryptosis are
Incorrect nail-cutting technique (cutting too deep and not straight, parallel to the toe)
Obesity
Pregnancy
Long-term use of tight-fitting shoes
Prolonged walking or standing
Nail injury
Displacement of the toe bones(such as a bunion or hammertoe), where the bones shift position and subsequently put repeated pressure on the nail
A specialized podiatrist who is an orthonychologist can provide the appropriate treatment to resolve this painful problem.