Ingrown toenails are common and often affect the big toe. They are much more prevalent in teenagers and young adults in the US.
Many individuals who see a doctor for foot problems suffer from ingrown toenails. A nail is ingrown when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin. As a result, it causes pain and swelling and sometimes leads to infection.
The good news is that with proper care and a few simple steps, you can treat and prevent ingrown toenails. In this article, we’ll share practical tips for managing this condition and highlight the importance of professional podiatry services.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Before we talk about ingrown toenail treatment and prevention, it is helpful to understand what causes ingrown toenails.
Some common causes include:
- Improper Nail Trimming: Trimming your toenails incorrectly by cutting them too short or rounding the edges may cause the nail to grow into the skin.
- Ill-fitting Footwear: Wearing tight shoes that compress your toes can force the nails to dig into the surrounding skin, causing ingrown toenails.
- Trauma: Banging your toe or damaging the nail in an accident can lead to abnormal nail growth.
- Genetics: Some people inherit a tendency to develop ingrown toenails.
- Poor Foot Hygiene: Not keeping your feet clean and dry can increase the risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treating Ingrown Toenails at Home
If you are dealing with an ingrown toenail, there are several steps you can take at home to relieve pain and promote healing:
Soak Your Foot
Soak your affected foot in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes, three to four times a day. This helps reduce swelling and relieves tenderness.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Opt for shoes with plenty of room for your toes. Avoid tight shoes and high heels until the ingrown toenail heals.
Use Cotton or Dental Floss
After soaking your foot, gently lift the edge of the ingrown nail and place a small piece of cotton or waxed dental floss under it. This can help the nail grow above the skin’s edge. Change the cotton or floss daily.
Apply Antibiotic Ointment
To prevent infection, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to the affected area and cover it with a bandage.
Take Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help you manage pain and inflammation from ingrown toenails.
When to Seek Professional Help
While home remedies can be effective for mild cases, sometimes, professional treatment is necessary. You should seek podiatry services if:
- The pain is severe or spreading.
- You observe signs of infection such as redness and swelling.
- You have diabetes, which compromises foot health.
- The ingrown toenail keeps recurring.
Podiatrists are experts in foot health and can provide a range of treatments for ingrown toenails. They can safely remove the ingrown part of the nail, prescribe antibiotics if there is an infection, and give advice on proper nail care to prevent future problems.
Preventing Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can be prevented. Here are some tips to help you avoid this painful condition:
Trim Nails Properly
Always cut your toenails straight across. Trimming by rounding the corners can cause ingrown toenails. Use clean, sharp nail clippers, and do not cut your nails too short.
Wear Proper Footwear
Wear shoes that are your size and give your toes wiggle room. Avoid tight shoes and high heels that squeeze your toes.
Maintain Foot Hygiene
Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash them daily with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
Protect Your Feet
Be careful not to injure your toes. Wear protective footwear if you are doing activities that could hurt your feet.
Avoid Picking or Tearing
Do not pick at or tear your toenails, as this can damage them and increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
Professional Podiatry Services
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, ingrown toenails can still occur. That is when professional podiatry services become essential.
Podiatrists can offer several advanced treatments, including:
1. Partial Nail Avulsion
This minor surgical procedure involves removing a portion of the ingrown nail to provide immediate relief.
2. Matrixectomy
For recurrent ingrown toenails, a podiatrist may perform a matrixectomy, where part of the nail matrix (the tissue under the nail) is removed to prevent the nail from growing back in that area.
3. Laser Treatment
Laser treatments can effectively target and remove the ingrown portion of the nail with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Ingrown toenails can be painful and frustrating, but with proper care and preventive measures, you can keep them at bay. Follow these tips to treat and prevent ingrown toenails, and do not hesitate to seek podiatry services near you when needed. For expert care, look online for podiatry services near you, and take the first step toward healthier feet today.
Podiatry Services Near You in San Antonio, Boerne, Hondo, and Live Oak, TX
The podiatrists at The Podiatry Group of South Texas are top foot and ankle surgeons. We are experts in the treatment of ingrown toenails, along with dozens of other podiatric injuries and conditions.
To find out your treatment options, schedule a consultation. Call our office today at (210) 227-8700, option #2. Our friendly staff is looking forward to your call!
