Ingrown toenails are one of the most common foot-related problems that affect teenagers and young adults. Though ingrown toenails are relatively easy to treat, they may increase your risk of complications if you have diabetes or another circulatory problem. At Precision Podiatry with three locations in the Round Rock, Cedar Park, and the River Place neighborhoods of Austin, Texas, the licensed foot and ankle specialists regularly work with people of all ages to diagnose, treat, and ultimately, relieve ingrown toenails. To request your consultation today, call the office nearest you.
An ingrown toenail is a common condition that occurs when your toenail curves downward and grows into the soft skin surrounding your nail bed. Over time, an ingrown toenail causes pain, swelling, and general discomfort.
If you have diabetes or another medical condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet, it’s important to seek treatment for an ingrown toenail right away. Left unmanaged, your ingrown toenail may become infected, causing more severe health problems.
The symptoms of an ingrown toenail vary from person to person. Common telltale signs include:
If your ingrown toenail becomes infected, you might also notice pus or drainage oozing from your affected nail.
If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, make an appointment with the team at Precision Podiatry as soon as possible. The sooner you receive professional treatment, the less likely you are to develop an infection or other more serious complications. This is particularly true if you’re living with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular problems.
Ingrown toenails affect people of all races, ages, and genders, but certain factors may increase your risk, including:
You’re also more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you cut your toenails at an angle instead of straight across.
To diagnose an ingrown toenail, your Precision Podiatry provider physically examines your foot, toes, and toenails. Your doctor also observes the skin surrounding your nails. Generally, this is enough to determine if you have an ingrown toenail.
Mild and moderate ingrown toenails usually resolve on their own with conservative measures of care. However, if your pain persists, your Precision Podiatry provider might recommend:
If you have an infected toe, or your toe is at risk of becoming infected, your Precision Podiatry provider might also recommend taking a round of oral antibiotics.
To learn more about your treatment options for an ingrown toenail, make an appointment at Precision Podiatry today by calling the office nearest you.