26 Sep Treating Ingrown Toenails
Are you experiencing pain or swelling around your toenail? You might be dealing with an ingrown toenail. This common condition occurs when the corner of your toenail (usually the big toe) grows into the soft flesh around your nail. The result is inflammation, swelling, pain and tenderness, and possible infection. Most cases aren’t severe and can go away easily without treatment. However, if pain persists, you should visit a podiatrist!
Here are some of the ways your podiatrist may treat you:
- Lifting the nail. An easy way to help minor cases of ingrown nails is to lift the toenail and place some kind of material underneath – usually cotton. This lift allows the nail to grow separately from the skin, which usually takes between 2 to 12 weeks. There may be some at-home care required for this treatment, like soaking your toe or replacing the material daily. Your podiatrist may also prescribe a cream to apply after soaking.
- Taping the nail. In this easy treatment option, your podiatrist will pull the surrounding skin away from the ingrown nail with tape.
- Using a gutter splint. After numbing your toe, a tiny splint is placed underneath the nail. This splint stays in place until the nail begins to grow above the skin. This method can also help ease the pain of an ingrown toenail.
- Partial removal of the nail. For more severe cases, it might be necessary to remove part of your ingrown toenail. Your podiatrist will numb the affected nail and trim or remove the ingrown portion.
- Removal of the entire nail. For repeated or severe cases, your podiatrist may recommend removal of your entire nail, along with part of the nail bed. This ensures that the problem won’t occur again. A chemical or laser may be used during the procedure.
If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail or are experiencing any nail, foot, or ankle pain, be sure to contact your local podiatrist for help!
Here at Alta Ridge Foot Specialists, we care deeply about our patients. Dr. W. Aaron Broyles, Dr. Robert L. Van Brederode, Dr. Thomas Verla, and the rest of our staff at our Mars Hill, Spruce Pine, and Boone, NC, offices are here to help you with any of your foot concerns. To make an appointment, contact us at one of our three locations today.