Ingrown toenails can range from mildly uncomfortable to severely painful and infected. For more advanced cases, a podiatrist may lift and trim the ingrown portion of the nail or perform a partial nail removal to relieve pressure and allow proper healing. If the problem is recurrent, a procedure can be done to remove part of the nail root using a chemical or laser to prevent regrowth in that area. In cases of severe infection or persistent ingrowth, full nail removal may be recommended. These treatments aim to reduce pain, prevent infection, and correct nail growth. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to deeper infection and more serious complications. If you have a persistent ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment that best suits your condition.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM of Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
- Bacterial infections
- Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
- Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
- Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
- Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in West Chicago, IL and Whiting, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
