An ingrown toenail happens when the nail has melded into the surrounding skin, and it usually occurs in the big toe. Many people who have this condition attempt to fix the problem themselves, thinking it’s not a big deal – but it can actually develop into a serious infection.
A foot specialist can take care of an ingrown toenail the proper way, reducing or eliminating your risk of complications. Let’s talk about when is the right time to see a foot specialist for an ingrown toenail.
Signs It’s Time to See a Foot Specialist ASAP
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can develop into an infection. No infection is minor, as it can spread throughout your body and affect other tissues and organs.
An infected ingrown toenail becomes severely painful and can make it very difficult to walk with that foot. If your affected toe is feeling warm to the touch, experiencing a throbbing sensation, and having noticeable swelling or an abscess, see a foot specialist immediately.
If you have type 2 diabetes, proper foot care is critical to preserving your limbs and preventing getting a serious infection. That is why something as simple as an ingrown toenail is a big threat to a diabetic. An experienced podiatrist will provide diabetic foot care, which includes toenail trimming that prevents the development of ingrown toenails. It is best for a podiatrist to trim your toenails so that you also do not accidentally give yourself a cut, which is dangerous for the same reason.
Ingrown Toenail Causes and Symptoms
The main cause of an ingrown toenail is cutting the nail too short. If it is too short, when it grows it could grow into the surrounding skin. This is because there is a loss of connection to the ridges along the sides that hold your toenail in place.
The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include pain, tenderness, and a hardness of the skin next to the nail. Suddenly, it hurts to wear your shoes, which affects your gait.
People with an ingrown toenail may hobble as they walk due to the pain. This is why it is so important to see a foot specialist early on to take care of the problem. It can quickly develop into a serious infection with potentially life-threatening complications.
Podiatrist in San Antonio, TX
If you have an ingrown toenail and would like a foot specialist to take care of it, or if you have an infection in your foot, our podiatrists at The Podiatry Group of South Texas are here for you. Ingrown toenail repair is just one of the many procedures we perform to relieve our patients’ symptoms and to restore the normal function of their feet and ankles.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our outstanding podiatrists, contact us today at our office nearest you or fill out our online request form now. We look forward to helping you have healthy feet for a lifetime!
