Hi Pam,

Sorry to hear that you suffer from ingrown toenails a lot too!

I have had LOTS of ingrown toenails since I developed RSD! I never used to get any beforehand but now, I seem to get tons and they always seem to be on my RSD leg - never on the other!

I had a really bad one last year which got extremely infected so I had to have my Doctor take it off under general anaesthetic.

The procedure of having the toenail removed caused me to have a really bad reaction and I developed myoclonic spasms from it which I still have now even despite trying many different medications and Physical Therapy to try and combat them!

I agree with what the others have said. My Doctor told me to try and allow the nails to grow and not cut them too short. He also mentioned trying to cut a 'V' shape in the middle of the nail (I think it was there anyhow!) as that can sometimes prevent ingrown toenails from developing ... not very fashionable I know but if it stops any problems, it's worth it!!

I hope your toenail problems settle down soon and that you get to feeling better as I know how painful they can be, especially on an RSD limb!

Keep us posted!
Alison

I have not yet had nail trouble, but my doctors spend a lot of time examining them when I am there. It seems to me that there must be some correlation, as bobber said.

I am not really sure what they are looking for, but I think there are a lot of clues in our nails. Certain colorings, thick cuticles, even how they grow (such as growing inward) can all be signs of other chemical things going on in our bodies.

I often have a dream: Wouldn’t it be nice to have normal things going on with our bodies?

Mike

There is another trick to use.

That involves placing a tiny bit of sterile cotton, under the nail at the point you think will become ingrown. You just shove it gently under the nail, and do remove it and replace it when it gets wet.

This may keep the nail up off the nail bed enough to prevent ingrowing. Do it carefully.

If you search the net, you may find this suggestion as well.
Remember to keep it clean, and change it at least daily. You don't want infections etc to creep in.