Ingrown Toenails

Different conditions can result in mechanical changes to the nail plate. Involution is pronounced curvature of the nail. Sometimes the curvature is so severe that the edge of the nail curls into a circle. A pincer nail is the lateral curvature of the nail plate which is more towards the distal edge. A tile-shaped nail is lateral curvature of the nail plate with no distal narrowing. A plicatured nail has curvature that turns sharply down at the sides.

Onychocryptosis is a condition where the edge of the nail grows into one or both sides of the nail. It is caused by downward pressure on the nail. When the nail breaks through the skin it causes inflammation, severe pain and swelling. Causes of onychocryptosis include abnormal sized nail plates, incorrect cutting of nails, trauma, tight footwear, high heels or advanced age.