Toe nail problems

[smiley613]

Hi everyone I'm waiting for a rheumatology appointment as my Orthopeadic surgeon suspects ra and I was wondering I have chronic ingrown toe nail problems does anyone know if there's a connection between ingrown toenails and ra?

[nomoreheels]

Hiya smiley. I have many problems with my feet but ingrown toenails is one I've been spared of. I'm not sure it could be directly related as usually it's due to things like trauma (stubbing your toe), ill fitting shoes (too tight), or even something as simple as cutting your nail too short. The only thing that may be relative is if it could be connected in any way to Psoriatic Arthritis because that can affect the nails but I'm not sure if ingrown toenails are a symptom. We do have members with PsA who would be far more knowledgeable if typical or not so hopefully if it is someone will be along to help.

I hope you don't have too long to wait for your appointment. I guess you have something going on if your Orthopaedic Surgeon suspects something & has recommended referral to Rheumatology but I do hope it's not the case & have no need to join our elite club!

[Hidden]

Hi smiley,

have you got a referral to a rheumy yet? When you do, I reckon it would be worth showing him or her your toenails and asking whether psoriatic arthritis is something to consider. Not everyone who gets PsA has psoriasis (although many look back at episodes of 'dry skin' etc. which they then think were probably mild psoriasis) but about 80% of people with PsA do have problems with their nails. You can find pictures on the internet of psoriatic nails but in reality the appearance can vary greatly. It could be that your nails are psoriatic and that this is, somehow or other, causing them to become ingrown.

There again, they may just be ingrown toenails! Some rheumys are more 'PsA aware' than others so I think it's always a good idea to ask about it just in case. It can be difficult to diagnose because it doesn't show anything similar to rheumatoid factor in blood tests and inflammation doesn't necessarily show up in bloods either, even when it's pretty bad.

Good luck whatever happens. I hope you can get those toenails sorted out. Might as well ask for a referral to a podiatrist as well! Lots of appointment fun .... not! But ingrown toenails can be very painful, I believe(?)

[earthwitch]

Not ingrown toenails, but there are all sorts of nail problems and deformities associated with psoriatic arthritis, and in fact the presence of this kind of nail problem with inflammatory arthritis would be quite a strong indicator that it might be psoriatic arthritis.

[PFKAAde]

Not trying to sound flippant, but it could be related to the fact that cutting your toenails is hard work when you have an inflammatory arthropathy.

I have / had ingrown toenails (v painful!) and I think a combination of avoiding cutting due to difficulty and cutting too short when I do cut them (to avoid having to do it again for a bit).

Of course there are also PsA connotations.

Ade

[purplecats]

I had my toenails removed from both big toes due to ingrowing toenails and constant infection. This only happened when I started getting the swollen feet, 14 years without my toenails and I dont miss them 😊