How Does a Podiatrist Diagnose and Treat an Ingrown Toenail?

Podiatry is the field of medicine that focuses on the feet, ankles and lower extremities. The specialists who work in this field are called podiatrists. They spend their days detecting, diagnosing and treating conditions ranging from broken toes to foot ulcers. One common condition that a podiatry office deals with on a regular basis is ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails are known to be rather irritating. They can cause pain and get in the way of good foot health. Thankfully, podiatry can help diagnose and treat this condition. In this article, learn more about what a podiatrist is able to do for ingrown toenails.

HOW A PODIATRIST DIAGNOSES AND TREATS AN INGROWN TOENAIL

The following information may be helpful to someone who is suffering from an ingrown nail on their foot. Ultimately, it is best to consult with a podiatrist about such an issue. However, this article can be used as a general guide.

DIAGNOSING AN INGROWN TOENAIL

When a patient suspects that they have an ingrown toenail, they should visit a podiatry office. The podiatrist will perform a physical exam of the foot to determine where the ingrown nail is coming from. The appointment will also allow the patient the chance to explain how the ingrown nail occurred or any other important related information. 

Additionally, the patient may have to undergo a simple X-ray while at the podiatry office. Oftentimes, an ingrown toenail is not completely visible to the eye, which can make diagnosing and treating it difficult. 

TREATING AN INGROWN TOENAIL

Treatment of an ingrown toenail can consist of a few things, ranging from a lanced removal to a surgical procedure. Depending on the severity of the ingrown toenail, the podiatry office may recommend a simple noninvasive removal or a surgical procedure in which the entire toenail is removed to access the ingrown portion. 

Either way, the podiatrist can also provide the patient with an antibiotic or topical solution to help avoid infection. Ingrown toenails make the feet prone to infections, especially if the wound is left open or accessible. 

LONG-TERM PODIATRY CARE

If ingrown toenails are an ongoing problem, then it is best to undergo an evaluation by a podiatry office. Ingrown nails of any sort, whether finger or toes, are not normal. When ingrown toenails become a chronic problem, the podiatrist may recommend treatment to completely stop them from happening. Laser removal or chemical treatment may be used to remove the corner, matrix and root of the problem nail. 

GET STARTED WITH A PODIATRIST TODAY!

Podiatry can help treat ingrown toenails in the short and long term. It is best to consult with a professional who can determine what the root cause might be.

Any questions or concerns about ingrown toenails should be directed to our podiatry office. We can help get you started or go over anything that you are unsure of. Give us a call or stop by our office today so that we can better assist you.

Request an appointment here: https://footdoctorinsanjose.com or call Leonard Greenwald, D.P.M. at (408) 827-9483 for an appointment in our San Jose office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.