What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a condition affecting the toenail, usually on the big toe, where the nail grows into the soft tissue surrounding the nail bed. This can be painful and can cause greater complications like infection, if not treated properly.
When you have an ingrown toenail, the area around the toe may have:
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Fever
These symptoms may indicate that the ingrown toenail is infected or has a high potential of getting infected. They may need to be treated to prevent a more severe infection from setting in.
What causes an ingrown toenail?
There are several reasons why your toenail may not have grown correctly. These causes may make getting an ingrown toenail more likely or may make you more susceptible to getting an infection with an ingrown toenail:
- Cutting the nail too short
- Trauma
- Heredity
- Ill-fitting footwear
- Regrowth after the loss of the nail
- Fungal infections
As part of your evaluation, your Permian Basin Foot and Ankle provider considers what may have caused your ingrown toenail to help prevent you from developing new ingrown toenails in the future.
How may my ingrown toenail be treated?
Treatment for mild cases of an ingrown toenail can be simple and done non-surgically. If the infection has not set in, and it is cared for properly, it may be possible to avoid surgical intervention.
With early detection, your provider may suggest:
- Soaking foot 3-4 times a day
- Keeping feet dry
- Mild painkillers
- Wearing comfortable, open-toed shoes
If the symptoms of your ingrown toenail worsen, or it does not improve within 2-3 days, it is important that you consult with your Permian Basin Foot and Ankle provider for more aggressive treatment. If you have a condition like diabetes or blood flow issues, you must seek out expert care.
Treatments that may be used for an advanced case of an ingrown toenail with infection may be:
- Antibiotic therapy
- Surgical trimming of the malformed nail
- Permanent removal of the entire nail
After a thorough evaluation of your ingrown toenail, your physician will recommend a treatment plan that will relieve your pain and prevent or treat your infection.
For your expert consultation, call the office nearest you, or book an appointment online today.
