Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are one of the most dreaded foot issues people don’t want to have. Besides the negative social stigma of ingrown toenails, there can be pain, discomfort, infection and often an unsightly appearance attached as well.
The biggest cause of ingrown toenails is easily preventable. Cutting your toenails too short and cutting them in a way where the two corners are tapered is the biggest culprit in causing ingrown toenails. The second most common cause of ingrown toenails is wearing shoes that are too short or too tight.
Ingrown toenails are when your toenail begins to grow into your skin. If not treated, it can lead to severe pain, infections and even surgery.
Symptoms
Any of your toe nails can become ingrown. In most cases, however, it’s one of the big toes that become ingrown. Symptoms of ingrown toenails include:
Redness
Hardness
Swelling
Tenderness
Pain
Draining pus
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to treat it immediately. Early prevention and treatment can be done at home. If treatment is ignored or postponed, further, more extensive professional treatment will likely be needed.
Treatment
How your ingrown toenail is treated will depend on how early it is caught and the severity of pain and discomfort it causes. There are both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for ingrown toenails:
Nonsurgical Treatments
In the early stages, you can easily treat an ingrown toenail at home. Below are some at-home treatments:
Soak your foot 3 times a day in warm water.
Keep your foot as dry as possible when you’re not soaking them.
Wear comfortable shoes that have plenty of room for your toes.
Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen if you’re experiencing pain.
Surgical Treatment
If severe pain, swelling, inflammation and discharge persists, the toenail is likely infected. At this point, it is important you make an appointment with one of our podiatrists. Toenail surgery may be necessary. During this procedure, a part of the infected nail will be removed. In extreme cases, the whole nail may be removed.
If you’re ingrown toenail is causing you persistent pain and swelling, call us today to make an appointment. At Advanced Foot & Ankle Center, we care about the health of your feet. Your feet are important and any kind of pain or discomfort can negatively affect your life. Our certified podiatrists use the latest technology and will do whatever is necessary to avoid surgical treatment for your ingrown toenail.
