If the sharp edge of a toenail starts to cut into the skin next to the nail, you can develop an ingrown toenail, medically known as onychocryptosis. Often very painful, ingrown toenails also result in redness, swelling, and pus in the tissue around the ingrown nail.
Left untreated, ingrown toenails can become serious sites of infection. But can you address the problem with at-home remedies, or do ingrown toenails always need the attention of a medical profession?
Dr. Stephen Eichelsdorfer, aka “Dr. Ike,” and our team at Town Center Foot & Ankle of Kingwood, Texas, treat ingrown toenails and can help you understand more about the risks and treatments associated with this condition.
When you have all the relevant information, you can make the right decision for you and your foot health.
Most people will deal with an ingrown toenail at some point over the course of a lifetime. This common foot issue often results from incorrectly trimming toenails. If you cut the nail with a curve, instead of straight across, you have a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail. Wearing narrow-toed shoes can also increase your risk.
Once an ingrown toenail starts to develop, pain quickly becomes a problem. Your pain may be sharp, stabbing, or throbbing, and it may worsen when you put pressure on the affected tissue.
Ingrown toenails can become infected. If the infection worsens and spreads, it can have serious complications for your foot and whole-body health.
In the early stages, you can try to care for your ingrown toenail at home. But you should watch for signs that the problem is getting worse, not better. If you see pus or notice that the redness on the side of your toenail is spreading, it’s time to seek care from a medical professional.
Soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water can cleanse the area and help the nail come free from the tissue where it’s trapped. You can also lightly massage the painful area. Wearing open-toed shoes can keep you comfortable while you wait for the nail to grow out.
Don’t try to cut or remove the ingrown toenail on your own, as this can spread infection. If you don’t see good results with at-home care after a few days, reach out to us at Town Center Foot & Ankle.
More severe ingrown toenails need professional care. That might be careful clipping or even in-office ingrown toenail surgery. Either way, we have you covered. We provide a full range of state-of-the-art care, including medications to reduce pain and infection.
With the right treatment, your ingrown toenail goes away and your tissue heals. Save yourself pain and trouble by pursuing the right treatment path for your foot health.
If you need treatment for an ingrown toenail or personalized advice on whether it’s time to seek treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Eichelsdorfer at Town Center Foot & Ankle. Call us now, or request an appointment online at your convenience.
