How to Fix an Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail can be very painful and impact everything you do. Walking or even just putting any weight on your toe can cause pain. Ingrown toenails are quite common, and almost everyone will suffer from an ingrown toenail at some point.
The good news is that it’s a fairly easy problem to fix and doesn’t need to impact your day-to-day activities for long. Let’s look at how you can fix an ingrown toenail quickly.
What Do Ingrown Toenails Look Like?
An ingrown toenail is when the end of your toenails grows into the fleshy part of your toes. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can become infected. If you think you have an ingrown toenail, you should take care of it right away, so that you avoid it getting more painful and infected.
There are a few things you can look for to determine if you have an ingrown toenail. First, you may see redness and swelling around the nail. You may also see pus or drainage from the site. You must see a doctor or podiatrist for treatment if you have any of these symptoms.
An ingrown toenail can lead to severe complications, such as infection and tissue death. Effective treatment involves trimming the nail and removing any debris trapped underneath. If you have an infection, you may also need antibiotics. Furthermore, it might be necessary to remove part of the nail.
What is Causing My Ingrown Toenails?
If a nail is trimmed too short or curved, it may grow into the skin and make it sore. Ingrown toenails can also be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow, which puts pressure on the toes and forces the nails to grow into the skin. Other causes include heredity or trauma to the toe.
The following factors can increase your risk of developing an infection with an ingrown toenail:
- Having diabetes or another condition that causes poor circulation in your feet.
- Having a foot injury or deformity.
- Having sweaty feet.
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes.
If you have any risk factors, it’s important to take extra care of your feet to prevent an infection with an ingrown toenail.
What Can I Do to Help Fix My Ingrown Toenail?
There are some methods you can try if you have an ingrown toenail. First, try soaking your foot in warm water and Epsom salt for 20 minutes daily. This will help reduce swelling and pain.
Daily foot care can prevent ingrown toenails from occurring. Make sure you’re trimming your nails straight across and not too short. Wear shoes that fit well and are neither too loose nor too tight. And if you have diabetes or poor circulation, be sure to see a doctor regularly so they can check for any problems with your feet.
What Can the Podiatrist Do to Fix My Ingrown Toenail?
If the ingrown toenail is causing severe pain, you need to come and see our doctors. They can prescribe antibiotics to help clear up any infection. In some cases, our podiatrists may need to remove part of the nail that is growing into your toe.
Our podiatrists will first numb the area with a local anesthetic. Then, they will make a small cut in the skin to release the pressure from the nail. They may also need to remove part of the nail or the entire nail.
Afterward, your toenail will be bandaged, and you will receive tips on how to care for it. You will need to keep the area clean and dry. You may also need to soak your foot in warm water and Epsom salt for 20 minutes daily. You need to wear the bandage for at least 24 hours to prevent infection.
Most people who get ingrown toenails have to deal with one easy procedure. But an ingrown toenail could get complicated for people with diabetes or poor circulation. In these cases, it’s important to see our podiatrists regularly so that they can monitor your condition and provide proper treatment.
What if My Ingrown Toenail Keeps Coming Back?
If your ingrown toenail keeps coming back, there is a fix for that as well. Ensure you’re washing them every day and drying them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Make sure you trim your nails straight across and not too short. Wear shoes that fit well and don’t put pressure on your toes. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, you may need to see a podiatrist more often to have your nails trimmed.
To permanently fix an ingrown toenail that keeps coming back, our podiatrists can put on a special chemical after removing the part of the nail growing into your toe. This chemical is put at the base of the nail bed and will prevent the nail from growing back in that area. Aftercare is the same as with other toenail procedures.
Contact Us for Help with Ingrown Toenails
If you’re struggling with an ingrown toenail, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Our podiatrists are experts in treating and preventing ingrown toenails from coming back. They will guide you through every step of the treatment and answer any questions you might have. Discuss any concerns you have as well, they are here to help! Contact our office by calling 313-582-6222, or fill out our convenient online contact form and one of our staff will reach out to set up an appointment.
If you have an ingrown toenail, don’t despair—it is an easy fix! You can soon return to your normal daily activities without pain and discomfort, just contact our office for an appointment.
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