What are ingrown nails?
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.
What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails can cause the following symptoms:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Pus
- Other signs of infection
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.
What are the risk factors for ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails are common and can happen to anyone, but some factors boost your risk of having them. Examples include:
- Wearing tight shoes
- Cutting your toenails too short
- Toenail injuries
- Not cutting your nails straight across
- Having curved toenails
- Diabetes
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.
How does my doctor diagnose ingrown nails?
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.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
Common treatments for ingrown nails include:
Home remedies
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
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.
