If you’ve ever had an ingrown toenail, you know how excruciating the pain from it can be. As the nail grows deeper into your skin, the discomfort only worsens, and it poses a potential risk for side effects like swelling, redness, and, in advanced cases, infection. Ingrown toenails are risky for many reasons, but they especially threaten the diabetic population.
Many people don’t realize that ingrown toenails and diabetes can be a risky combination. Since those with diabetes may have longer healing times, they face an increased risk of infection. Diabetes-related infections can spread to surrounding tissue, potentially spreading to other body areas.
While ingrown toenails can be troubling for anyone, they pose exceptionally high risks for people with diabetes. At Foot Specialists of Birmingham, we provide solutions tailored to every patient, including those managing diabetes. Keep reading to learn why an ingrown toenail can lead to added risks for diabetic patients.
What Causes an Ingrown Toenail?
There are many causes of ingrown toenails, and improper footwear is among the most common. Narrow or tight shoes can apply pressure to the toe area, causing the nail to dig into surrounding skin. Other causes, like genetics, toenail injuries from sports, and even poor hygiene, can also contribute.
You might have an ingrown toenail if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- Sharp pain that fluctuates, typically when applying pressure to the big toe.
- Hardened skin builds up, causing the surrounding area to become tender.
- Redness and swelling are the warning signs of an infection developing.
- Throbbing pain that becomes consistent and eventually constant.
- Fluid buildup under the skin that eventually drains.
Understanding the Risks for Diabetes Patients
People with diabetes are at a higher risk of ingrown toenail complications for a variety of reasons, one of which is diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is a diabetes-related complication that causes nerve damage, which affects the body’s extremities, such as feet, legs, hands, and arms. Neuropathy causes numbness and tingling because of decreased circulation, which limits blood flow.
Lowered circulation decreases the body’s ability to heal itself. An infected ingrown toenail can quickly develop into an ulcer, which can be slow-healing and challenging to manage. Without timely intervention, there is a risk of amputation to avoid further spreading the infection.
Since it can be common for people with diabetes to lose feeling in their feet, it’s critical to follow good hygiene habits and check regularly for signs of infection, redness, swelling, or other abnormal changes.
Check out our recent blog: Do Ingrown Toenails Go Away on Their Own or Should You See a Doctor?
Bottom Line: Ingrown Toenails and Diabetes are a Serious Concern
Ultimately, ingrown toenails and diabetes are serious concerns that can lead to further health complications. Ingrown toenails and other foot infections can be dangerous because the body’s ability to fight infection is limited. Let us step in before it reaches that point.
At Foot Specialists of Birmingham, we understand the urgency that an ingrown toenail and diabetes can create for our patients. We aim to get you back on your feet—call us at (205) 445-0661 or request an appointment online today.
