Ingrown Toenails: From Minor Problems to Major Pain
Ingrown toenails might seem minor, but that can change pretty quickly. As the edge of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin, you’ll experience pain, redness, and swelling. And from there, more serious problems are just a step away.
Cypress Foot & Ankle Center wants you pain-free and stepping smoothly, so for this blog post, we’re zeroing in on this sneaky issue. Read on for a few tips from our expert team! They’ll help you prevent, manage, and treat ingrown toenails before they become a bigger deal than they should be.
The Domino Effect
If you neglect an ingrown toenail, it could lead to:
- Infection: The area around the ingrown nail can become infected, leading to increased pain, swelling, and even pus drainage.
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers: For people with diabetes, a non-healing ingrown toenail can develop into a foot ulcer, which may be slow to heal and increase the risk of amputation.
- Fungal Infections: Ingrown toenails create a warm, moist environment that’s ideal for fungal growth, leading to conditions like athlete’s foot.
Prevention & Treatment: Do’s and Don’ts
Resolving ingrown toenails requires a combination of steps to take and missteps to avoid. To start, we’ll cover what you should be focusing on.
Do:
- Trim your toenails straight across, avoiding rounded edges or cutting them too short.
- Wear shoes that fit properly and provide ample space for your toes.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Soak your feet in warm water to reduce inflammation and soften the skin.
- Gently push back the skin away from the nail edge with a cotton swab.
Don’t:
Some mistakes count more than most, so try not to…
- Attempt to “dig out” the ingrown nail yourself, as this can worsen the condition and increase the risk of infection.
- Ignore the problem, hoping it will go away on its own (it likely won’t!)
- Use home remedies without consulting a podiatrist.
Seeking Professional Help
If your ingrown toenail is severe, recurring, or shows signs of infection, it’s crucial to seek professional help from a podiatrist. They can:
- Lift the nail and secure it with gauze, which often helps mild cases.
- Remove the nail in severe cases, relieving pain and spurring regrowth.
- Apply antibiotics, clearing infections and future complications.
Still have questions about ingrown toenails? We’d be happy to answer them! Feel free to get in touch if you’d like to learn more.
Whether you’re experiencing pain, concerned about a deformity, or simply seeking preventative care, Cypress Foot & Ankle Center offers a wide range of services to address all your foot and ankle needs. While we focus on nonsurgical treatments, we also provide advanced surgical procedures when necessary, using the latest technologies to ensure superior outcomes. If you’re in need, call (281) 377-4040 or contact us online today!
