Ingrown toenails occur when your toenail starts growing into the surrounding skin. The condition can be very painful, especially as the nail continues to grow. Don’t put up with an ingrown toenail any longer than you have to. Connect with Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates, and we’ll get you an appointment within days so you can get relief.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails can develop for many reasons, including:
- Poorly cut toenails: When you’re trimming your toenails, try to avoid making them too short or drastically changing their shape. These adjustments can cause them to grow back improperly.
- Toe trauma: Stubbed your toe? Keep a careful watch on how your toe heals after an injury, as the trauma can lead your toenail to abnormal growth.
- Improper shoes: Wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly can change the way your toenails grow and unintentionally cause ingrown toenails.
- Diabetes: Conditions like diabetes affect how well your blood flows to your extremities. People with diabetes are at especially high risk for foot-related conditions and need medical intervention to treat them. And because the blood flow can be compromised, healing from something like an ingrown toenail can take longer than usual.
- Foot shape: Some people are simply more likely to get ingrown toenails due to their foot shape and nail size.
The podiatrist will evaluate your condition and make a decision on the correct treatment plan. Our podiatrists work very hard to learn all the latest techniques and non-invasive ways to take care of any foot problems you may have, so you can rest assure that they will only do surgery if it is necessary.
If you are having foot pain and need to see a podiatrist then give us a call. One of our four Podiatrists will assess your pain and diagnose your problem and try to find a nonsurgical approach if it is possible. Podiatry surgery will only be recommended if it is the only option or the best option to give you your mobility back.
How to Tell if You Have an Ingrown Toenail
Common signs of an ingrown toenail include:
- Redness and inflammation on the toe.
- Pain or tenderness, especially when wearing shoes or being active.
- Overgrown skin around the toenail.
- Signs of infection, such as leaking pus or blood from an open wound.
If you think you have an ingrown toenail, do not try to cut it yourself. Some at-home treatment options include:
- Soaking: Submerge your foot in warm water a couple of times a day for about 15 minutes at a time. Otherwise, keep your foot as dry as possible.
- Medication: Your local drugstore likely has ointments and creams for ingrown toenails. Appy them and keep your toe bandaged until the pain is relieved.
- Spacious shoes: When you have an ingrown toenail, stick with shoes that have plenty of room for your feet to breathe.
If the pain becomes unbearable and your ingrown toenail starts interfering with your daily life, it may be time to visit a professional. Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates has a team of experts who would be happy to take a look at your feet and determine a better treatment option for you.
Our Doctors Can Help Your Ingrown Toenails
Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates is here to get you back on your feet. Explore our local clinics today and call us at 360-754-3338 to schedule your appointment. In many cases, we can get you a same- or next-day appointment, and we accept all forms of insurance. Reach out to get started
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