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When To See a Podiatrist for an Ingrown Toenail Pain
An ingrown toenail is a common foot condition that occurs when the corner of your toenail grows into the skin beside your nail. This typically affects the big toe and is characterized by pain, swelling, and, in more severe cases, bleeding.
While some ingrown toenails may be treated through home remedies, like antibiotic ointments, others may need professional care. Read on to find out when to visit a podiatrist.
There Are Signs of Infection
Most of the time, ingrown toenails don’t come with serious health complications. But if they’re left untreated for a long time, they may lead to an infection. Signs of an ingrown toenail infection include intense pain, excessive redness, bleeding, discharge of pus, and even the possibility of a fever. An untreated infection may spread to other parts of the body, so consult a foot doctor before symptoms worsen.
Home Remedies Don’t Work
If you notice symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it’s best to treat it at home right away. You may soak your feet in warm saltwater for 15-20 minutes several times a day, or put a topical antibiotic cream on the infected area. But if these treatments don’t cure your foot condition, there might be a bigger problem only a podiatrist can diagnose and treat.
Your Ingrown Toenails Are Recurring
Even if you don’t experience severe symptoms whenever you develop ingrown toenails, getting them frequently is still a cause for concern. This may happen because of ill-fitting shoes, improper toenail cutting, or recurrent foot or toe injuries. To find out the cause of your ingrown toenail pain and get the necessary treatment, talk to a foot specialist.
You Have Diabetes
Since people who have diabetes usually suffer from numbness in their feet, it will be harder for them to spot ingrown toenails. As a result, they may experience more severe symptoms and a higher risk of infection. So, if you have diabetes, it’s crucial to inspect your feet daily and reach out to a podiatrist at the first sign of an ingrown toenail or any other foot disorder.
Reach Out to Thomas Podiatry & Associates
Knowing when to see a professional for an ingrown toenail treatment will help prevent your foot condition from worsening. If you have an ingrown toenail or other foot problem, contact our experts at Thomas Podiatry & Associates in Salisbury, MD.
Ingrown Toenail Prevention: What You Need To Know
Ingrown toenails occur when the corner of the toenails grows into its surrounding skin. This condition usually affects the big toe and is characterized by symptoms such as swelling, pain and tenderness, or even an infection. Some causes of ingrown toenails include wearing tight footwear, cutting nails improperly, and injuring your toes.
Aside from causing discomfort, foot problems like ingrown toenails also affect daily routines. So, it’s best to learn how to prevent this foot condition. Here are some of them:
One of the best ways to prevent ingrown toenails is by trimming your nails the right way. Do this by cutting your nails straight across and at a length that is even with the tips of your toes. Shaping your toenails to be curved and trimming them too short will allow them to grow into the skin and cause ingrown toenails.
Wearing any kind of footwear that is too tight or too narrow may put unnecessary pressure on your toes, causing painful ingrown toenails. The risk of developing ingrown toenails, because of this, is higher for most teens since their feet are still growing. This is why it’s best to ensure your shoes have enough space for your feet to lie flat and for you to wiggle your toes.
Besides wearing well-fitting shoes, another way to prevent ingrown toenails is by protecting your feet from injuries. This is crucial for those who often participate in activities like running and sports since trauma to the toes causes ingrown toenails. So, make sure you wear the appropriate footwear should you engage in any physical activity that’ll put pressure on your toes.
Checking your feet allows you to look out for signs of ingrown toenails or other foot problems before they get worse. This is also helpful for people with diabetes who may experience numbness in the feet, preventing them from discovering injuries or foot conditions right away. If you notice anything unusual on your feet or toenails, consult a foot specialist immediately.
Consult a Podiatrist Near You
Learning about ingrown toenail prevention helps keep your feet healthy. If you see any signs of ingrown toenails or are unsure about the symptoms you’re feeling, talk to a foot doctor. Reach out to our experts at Thomas Podiatry & Associates in Salisbury, MD for more information about our services.