Liam Carter
Toenail pain can be caused by a number of issues, including injury, trauma, ingrown nails, or infection. While it may seem like a minor concern, toenail pain can sometimes have a significant impact on your day-to-day life. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail plate of a toe begins to grow into the surrounding skin, and they are the cause of around 20% of foot issues seen by family healthcare providers. Toenail trauma can also cause the nail to partially lift from the nail bed or fall off completely.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Trauma, ingrown nail, infection, fungal infection |
| Symptoms | Redness, puffiness, drainage, lesions, discoloration, thickening, indentations, irregularities, soreness, inflammation |
| Treatment | Seek care from a healthcare provider |
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What You'll Learn
Ingrown toenails
Toenail pain can be caused by a number of factors, including ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and trauma. Ingrown toenails, also known as onychocryptosis, occur when the nail plate of a toe begins to grow into the surrounding skin, called the periungual fold. This can cause the affected skin area to become inflamed and painful. The big toe is the most common toe to develop an ingrown nail, but any toe can be affected.
The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include pain, redness, swelling, and drainage at the site of the ingrown nail. In some cases, the nail may also become thickened or discoloured. If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, it is important to see a healthcare provider, especially if you have a condition that affects circulation or healing, such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease.
To prevent ingrown toenails, it is important to wear properly fitting shoes, trim your nails straight across, and avoid cutting them too short. If you have an ingrown toenail, there are a few home remedies you can try, such as soaking your foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail away from the skin with a cotton ball. However, if the pain is intense or getting progressively worse, it is important to see a healthcare provider for proper treatment.
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Trauma to the toenail
Toenail pain may seem like a minor concern, but it can dramatically impact your ability to go about your day. Any toenail pain that occurs after trauma should be examined promptly by a healthcare provider, especially if it is accompanied by uncontrolled bleeding or if another area of the toe or foot is also injured. Toenails hurt when the shape, condition or position of them affects the toe. For example, a thickened nail can cause pressure on a toe, similar to the feeling of sitting with a thick book on your head.
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Toenail fungal infections
Toenail pain can be a minor concern, but it can also dramatically impact your ability to go about your day. Toenail fungal infections are a common cause of toenail pain. The hallmark sign of a toenail fungal infection is discolouration or thickening of the toenail, with many turning a yellow or brownish hue. Fungal infections may also cause the toenail to split in two or begin to separate from the nail bed itself. In many cases, indentations or irregularities also appear on the nail’s surface.
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Toenail pain after an injury
Toenail pain can also be caused by trauma or injury to the toe, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something on it. This can cause soreness and inflammation in the surrounding area. If the pain is intense or getting progressively worse, it is important to seek medical attention to ensure it is appropriately treated.
The shape, condition, or position of the toenail can also affect the toe, causing pain. For example, a thickened nail can put pressure on the toe, causing discomfort.
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Toenail pain treatment
Toenail pain can be caused by a number of issues, including trauma, ingrown nails, and fungal infections. If you are experiencing toenail pain, it is important to seek medical advice, especially if the pain is intense or getting worse. A healthcare provider will be able to examine your toe and determine the cause of the pain. They may look for signs of infection, such as redness, puffiness, drainage, or lesions, as well as any changes in the shape, condition, or position of the toenail.
If you have a condition that affects circulation or healing, such as neuropathy, diabetes, or peripheral artery disease, it is especially important to seek medical advice for toenail pain.
In the meantime, there are some things you can do to manage the pain and prevent further irritation. If the pain is due to an ingrown toenail, you can try soaking your foot in warm water several times a day and gently lifting the corner of the nail to relieve pressure. You can also apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection.
If a fungal infection is suspected, there are topical antifungal treatments available over the counter. However, if the infection is severe or does not respond to treatment, oral antifungal medication may be necessary, which can be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
To prevent toenail pain, it is important to wear properly fitting shoes that do not rub or put pressure on the toes. Keeping your toenails trimmed and filed can also help prevent ingrown nails and reduce the risk of injury.
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Frequently asked questions
Toenail pain can be caused by a number of things, including trauma, ingrown nails, infection, or a fungal infection.
Ingrown nails occur when the nail plate of a toe begins to grow into the surrounding skin (called the periungual fold) on either side of it. The big toe is the most common toe to develop an ingrown nail.
The hallmark sign of a toenail fungal infection is discoloration or thickening of the toenail, with many turning a yellow or brownish hue.
Toenail pain may seem like a minor concern, but in some cases, it can dramatically impact your ability to go about your day. Any toenail pain that occurs after trauma should be examined promptly by a healthcare provider.
A healthcare provider will look for redness, puffiness, drainage, or lesions in the surrounding skin when diagnosing ingrown nails.
