Treat Ingrown Toenails Using Our Skilled Podiatrist. We’ll tell you how.
If you have ever had an ingrown toenail you know the pain, stress and discomfort it can cause. Not to mention the insecurity that you may feel if you ever have to go barefoot!
How do you know if you have an ingrown toenail or onychcryptosis?
A ingrown toenail or onychocryptosis is a condition in which the corners or side of a toenail grows into the skin next to your nail and breaks the skin around it. The result can cause pain, redness, swelling and sometimes lead to a ingrown toenail infection.
Avoid more complications with treatment
Often you can take care of ingrown toenail on your own at home, however if the pain is severe or spreading, consulting with a dedicated podiatrist who specializes in taking care of the foot and ankle can take steps to relieve your discomfort and help you avoid even more complications. If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet, it is important to know that you are at greater risk of complications of ingrown toenails and it’s highly recommended you contact a podiatrist like Dr. Joyce at Sound Foot & Ankle who is compassionate and skilled to treat and educate you to prevent future ingrown toenails and infections.
What causes Ingrown Toenails?
• Heredity:
Sometimes the shape of the nails that we have inherited from our parents can put us at a higher risk of developing ingrown toenails.
• Trauma:
Sometimes an ingrown toenail is the result of trauma, such as stubbing your toe, having an object fall on top of your toe or engaging in activities that involve repeated pressure on your toes, such as kicking, running and hiking.
• Improper trimming:
The most common cause of ingrown toenails is cutting your nails too short. This encourages your skin next to your nail to grow and fold over the nail.
• Improperly sized footwear:
Ingrown toenails can result from wearing socks and shoes that are too tight.
Poor foot hygiene or excessive sweating: If your skin on your toes and feet is warm and moist there is a higher chance of developing an ingrown toenail. A fungal infection can also increase the risk.
Steps to take:
• Soak your feet in warm water:
Do this for 15 to 20 minutes three to four times a day, you can also add in some Epsom Salt or Apple Cider Vinegar to help with inflammation and pain-relief.
• Apply Antibiotic Cream:
To promote healing and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
• Change Your Shoes:
Wearing too tight of socks or shoes can aggravate and cause more discomfort. Dr. Joyce highly recommends custom orthotics to address your biomechanical ailments.
• Take pain relievers:
Tylenol may help relieve pain, but if there is swelling Ibuprofen may be a better option because it relieves both pain and swelling.
When To See a Doctor?
If you have an ingrown toenail and you have diabetes, another condition that causes poor circulation, or if you have a compromised immune system or a infection has spread.
You should talk to us if:
• You are experiencing severe pain and swelling
• Home remedies don’t improve the condition
• You have an allergic skin reaction to a home remedy
• You have questions about how to care for an ingrown toenail
Contact us at Sound Foot and Ankle to consult with our podiatrist who is specialized in treating ingrown toenails. We are located in Edmonds, Washington. Call us today!