If you have painful, swollen, pus-filled, or red-colored skin near a toenail, ingrown nails might be to blame. At Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates in Coatesville, and Limerick, Pennsylvania, the board-certified podiatrists can diagnose and treat ingrown toenails to reduce pain and the risk of infection. Call the office to book an appointment or schedule one online today.
Ingrown nails are a common condition in which the side of a toenail grows into surrounding soft tissue. The result is often uncomfortable and sometimes an infection can develop. Treatment of ingrown toenails can reduce discomfort and the risk of complications.
Ingrown toenails can cause the following symptoms:
Ingrown nails commonly affect the big toe. See the Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates team if your ingrown toenail is painful or doesn’t go away on its own over time.
Ingrown toenails are common and can happen to anyone, but some factors boost your risk of having them. Examples include:
Things you can do at home to lower the risk of ingrown toenails include trimming your nails straight across; keeping your nails at a moderate length; wearing protective, comfortable shoes; and checking your feet regularly if you have diabetes.
The Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates team can diagnose ingrown nails after discussing your symptoms and evaluating your toenails and surrounding tissue. Based on the severity of your condition and preferences, they develop a personalized treatment plan.
Common treatments for ingrown nails include:
Things you can do at home to relieve ingrown toenail discomfort and reduce the risk of infection include soaking your feet in warm water, placing floss or cotton under the affected nail to lift it, using antibiotic creams, taking over-the-counter medicines, and wearing comfortable shoes.
Medical treatments your podiatrist may recommend include lifting your toenail, removing part of the nail, or removing the entire toenail and surrounding tissue. They might suggest you use oral or topical antibiotics to reduce the risk of or treat infections.
Don’t let painful ingrown toenails go untreated when simple solutions available at Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates can relieve your discomfort. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.