Ingrown toenails can be an incredibly painful and frustrating condition, affecting people of all ages. While they might seem like a small inconvenience at first, ignoring an ingrown toenail can lead to complications that impact your daily life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the common causes of ingrown toenails, available treatments, and why seeking the expertise of a podiatrist is often the best choice.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, and discomfort. Several factors can contribute to this condition, including:
- Improper Nail Cutting: Cutting your toenails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
- Tight Footwear: Shoes that squeeze your toes or don’t allow enough space for your feet can put pressure on the nails, increasing the risk of ingrowth.
- Injury: Stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on it, or repeated trauma from activities like running can damage the nail and lead to ingrowth.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to ingrown toenails due to the natural shape of their nails.
At-Home Care
If you notice the early signs of an ingrown toenail, there are steps you can take to relieve the discomfort and prevent it from worsening. These include:
- Soaking Your Foot: Salt water bathing the affected foot in warm water for 15-20 minutes a few times a day can help reduce swelling and soften the skin.
- Wearing Comfortable Footwear: Switching to open-toed or roomy shoes can alleviate pressure on the toe.
- Don’t try a DIY Nail Surgery: Avoid attempting to fix the ingrown toenail yourself – this might make it worse!
While at-home remedies can be helpful, they might not work for everyone, especially if the condition has progressed. More advanced treatment options include:
- Antibiotics: If an infection has developed, we can prescribe antibiotics to clear it up.
- Partial Nail Removal: In more severe cases, a podiatrist may remove part of the nail to alleviate the pressure and prevent further growth into the skin.
- Total Nail Surgery: You may decide to remove the nail completely, we can stop the nail from growing back which will remove the risk of it happening again. Alternatively, we can remove the nail and give it chance to regrow.
Why See a Podiatrist for Ingrown Toenails?
While it’s tempting to try and manage an ingrown toenail on your own, there are several reasons why consulting a podiatrist is a wise decision:
- Professional Diagnosis: A podiatrist can determine the severity of your condition and rule out other potential issues, such as fungal infections.
- Safe Treatment: Attempting to cut or remove the nail yourself can worsen the problem and increase the risk of infection. Podiatrists have the tools and expertise to treat ingrown toenails safely and effectively.
- Prevent Recurrence: A podiatrist can provide personalised advice on how to prevent ingrown toenails in the future, from proper nail-cutting techniques to selecting the right footwear.
Don’t Ignore the Problem!
Left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to significant pain, infections, and difficulty walking. Seeking professional care ensures you’re addressing the problem properly and protecting your overall foot health.
If you’re struggling with an ingrown toenail, don’t wait for it to worsen. A podiatrist can provide the care you need to relieve your pain and get you back on your feet, pain-free.
