Pain on the side of the toenail can come from several causes that are not related to ingrown toenails. One common reason is nail fungus, known scientifically as onychomycosis. This condition occurs when a fungus infects the nail, leading to changes in its appearance. People with nail fungus often notice that their toenails become thickened, discolored, or brittle. The infection can create discomfort and pain around the toenail area, making it painful to wear shoes or even walk (Baran & Lipner, 2022).
Trauma is another source of pain in the toenail region. This can happen if someone stubs their toe or if they frequently wear tight or ill-fitting shoes. Such injuries can lead to bruising under the toenail or even cause the nail to detach from the nail bed. The pain from these injuries can be sharp and localized, making it difficult to carry out daily activities. In some cases, individuals might also experience swelling or redness around the affected toenail (Wollina et al., 2016).
Nail psoriasis is yet another condition that can lead to pain on the side of the toenail. Psoriasis is a skin disease that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, leading to the buildup of cells on the surface of the skin. When this occurs on the nails, the person may see pitting, ridges, or discoloration. These changes can cause discomfort and can make the toes more sensitive to pressure, resulting in pain (Richert & Andre, 2011).
In addition to these conditions, pain around the toenail can also be influenced by systemic diseases. Some illnesses, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders, can affect the overall health of nails, potentially leading to discoloration, weakening, or other changes that cause pain. Other systemic issues can manifest as pain in various parts of the body, including the toenails, reinforcing the idea that the underlying causes can be quite complex (Ozdemir Cetinkaya et al., 2024).
Furthermore, skin conditions that affect the skin surrounding the nails can contribute to pain. For example, conditions like eczema or dermatitis can cause inflammation and irritation around the toenails, leading to discomfort and making it painful to touch or move the toes. This pain can be exacerbated if the skin condition causes dryness or cracking around the nails, increasing sensitivity in the area.
All these factors show that nail pain is not solely attributable to ingrown toenails. Understanding the various possible causes, from fungal infections to systemic diseases and skin conditions, is crucial for diagnosing and treating pain effectively. Identifying these causes can help individuals seek the right treatments and manage their discomfort better., When dealing with pain on the side of the toenail that is not caused by ingrown toenails, it is important to consider a variety of treatment options and preventive measures. One common cause of pain in this area can be fungal infections, which might lead to conditions such as onychomycosis. To treat this type of infection, healthcare providers often recommend topical antifungal medications. These treatments can help to reduce the infection and relieve pain in the toenail area (Khunger & Kandhari, 2012).
Another potential cause of pain on the side of the toenail is nail psoriasis, a condition that causes inflammation and discomfort. In cases like these, corticosteroids may be prescribed to help manage the inflammation and lessen the pain (Khunger & Kandhari, 2012). These treatments aim to help soothe the symptoms and improve the overall nail health and appearance.
Footwear choice is also critical for managing painful symptoms. Wearing shoes that are too tight can cause pressure on the toes, leading to irritation and discomfort. It is vital to select footwear that provides enough space for the toes to move freely (Exley et al., 2023). This not only prevents trauma but also helps to minimize pain on the side of the toenail.
Regular nail care is another important preventive measure. Keeping nails clean and trimmed to the appropriate length can make a significant difference in preventing painful conditions from worsening. Avoiding excessive cutting or filing, especially on the sides of the toenails, is essential to reduce the risk of injury or infection (Arica et al., 2019). Good hygiene, including washing the feet regularly and drying them well, can also prevent the development of fungal infections, which contributes to pain and discomfort.
Individuals who experience recurrent pain in their toenails should consider seeking evaluation from a podiatrist. Podiatrists specialize in foot and nail disorders and can provide tailored treatment plans based on the specific needs of each patient. They are equipped to assess the underlying causes of toenail pain and can offer effective management strategies (Mayeaux et al., 2019; Park & Singh, 2012). This specialist care allows for a more comprehensive understanding of individual conditions and helps to create a proactive approach toward treatment and prevention.
Managing pain on the side of the toenail involves a combination of effective treatments such as antifungal medications for infections and corticosteroids for inflammatory conditions like nail psoriasis. Furthermore, preventive measures like selecting proper footwear, maintaining good nail hygiene, and seeking expert care from podiatrists are essential for alleviating symptoms and preventing future issues. Understanding these elements is key to managing and reducing pain effectively.
Citations:
Park, D.H. and Singh, D., 2012. The management of ingrowing toenails. Bmj, 344. https://www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e2089.full
Mayeaux Jr, E.J., Carter, C. and Murphy, T.E., 2019. Ingrown toenail management. American family physician, 100(3), pp.158-164. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/0801/p158.html
Khunger, N. and Kandhari, R., 2012. Ingrown toenails. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 78, p.279. https://ijdvl.com/article?issn=0378-6323;year=2012;volume=78;issue=3;spage=279;epage=289;aulast=
Arica, I.E., Bostanci, S., Kocyigit, P. and Arica, D.A., 2019. Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with ingrown nails. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 109(3), pp.201-206. https://japmaonline.org/view/journals/apms/109/3/17-023.xml
Ozdemir Cetinkaya, P., Özkesici Kurt, B., Aksu, A., Aydin, S.N., Kaya, H.E. and Altunay, I.K., 2024. Evaluation of predisposing factors in patients with ingrown toenails: a prospective, case-control study. Archives of Dermatological Research, 317(1), p.23. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00403-024-03510-2
Imai, A., Takayama, K., Satoh, T., Katoh, T. and Yokozeki, H., 2011. Ingrown nails and pachyonychia of the great toes impair lower limb functions: improvement of limb dysfunction by medical foot care. International journal of dermatology, 50(2), pp.215-220. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2010.04697.x
Richert, B. and Andre, J., 2011. Nail disorders in children: diagnosis and management. American journal of clinical dermatology, 12(2), pp.101-112. https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/11537110-000000000-00000
Wollina, U., Nenoff, P., Haroske, G. and Haenssle, H.A., 2016. The diagnosis and treatment of nail disorders. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 113(29-30), p.509. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5527843/
Baran, R. and Lipner, S., 2022. Diseases of the nails. In Roxburgh’s Common Skin Diseases (pp. 298-309). CRC Press. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003105268-24/diseases-nails-robert-baran-shari-lipner
Exley, V., Jones, K., O’Carroll, G., Watson, J. and Backhouse, M., 2023. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials on surgical treatments for ingrown toenails part I: recurrence and relief of symptoms. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 16(1), p.35. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1186/s13047-023-00631-1
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