What are ingrown toenails?
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.
What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?
The symptoms of an ingrown toenail vary from person to person. Common telltale signs include:
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Redness around your toenail
- Swelling around your toenail
If your ingrown toenail becomes infected, you might also notice pus or drainage oozing from your affected nail.
When should I see a doctor about an ingrown toenail?
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.
What causes ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails affect people of all races, ages, and genders, but certain factors may increase your risk, including:
- Wearing shoes that crowd your toenails
- Injuring your toenail
- Cutting your toenails too short
- Having unusually curved toenails
You’re also more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you cut your toenails at an angle instead of straight across.
How are ingrown toenails diagnosed?
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.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
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:
- Lifting your affected nail
- Partially removing your affected nail
- Removing the nail and tissue
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.
