What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

Learning more about an ingrown toenail, as well as how a podiatrist can help you when you are dealing with any type of foot-related problems is smart. Podiatrists can diagnose and treat a variety of disorders related to the foot, ankle and leg. This type of health care professional can also prescribe any type of medications you need to improve or correct your foot health. If you are in need of any corrective footwear, like custom orthotics, a podiatrist can evaluate you and write a prescription for custom orthotics.

WHAT IS AN INGROWN TOENAIL?

A podiatrist is the go-to professional for information on ingrown toenails. An ingrown toenail happens when the corner or side of the nail is beginning to grow into the flesh instead of growing straight out. While an ingrown toenail is most commonly found in the big toe, it can also happen in the other toes. It is important that patients seek early treatment for this common foot problem. The longer one waits, the more discomfort and/or pain they will experience.

COMMON CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF INGROWN TOENAILS

Some of the more common causes of ingrown toenails include not properly trimming the toenails or trimming the toenails at an angle instead of straight across. Also, wearing shoes that crowd or cause too much pressure to the toes can cause an ingrown toenail. People who are experiencing consistent trauma to the same area of a toe and for hereditary reasons may also develop an ingrown toenail. The symptoms associated with an ingrown toenail tend to be quite obvious and include discomfort, pain, redness, swelling, drainage, odor and extra skin tissue.

AT-HOME TREATMENTS FOR INGROWN TOENAILS

If someone is experiencing a minor ingrown toenail, there are a few at-home treatments they can try to fix the problem. Soaking the foot in a tub of warm saltwater is the first step. After about 15 minutes, the foot can be removed so the ingrown toenail can be gently corrected. This means taking the nail out of the flesh and/or cutting the nail so it can no longer grow into the flesh. An antiseptic then needs to be applied to the affected area and then carefully bandage to protect it from the possibility of infection.

WHEN IS PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT NECESSARY?

Professional treatment by an experienced podiatrist is necessary when someone is not able to correct the problem and/or has been diagnosed with a circulatory disorder. It is not uncommon for someone to make an appointment with a podiatrist to treat an ingrown toenail problem, as they would rather leave it to a professional. When someone has been diagnosed with a circulatory disorder, it is essential to make an appointment with an experienced podiatrist as soon as absolutely possible.

NEED TO BE TREATED FOR AN INGROWN TOENAIL?

A podiatrist can treat your ingrown toenail. It can be quite painful and you may be tempted to treat your ingrown toenail yourself. However, if you have been diagnosed with any type of circulatory disorder, it really is necessary for you to find an experienced and caring podiatrist to assist you. Simply give your podiatrist a call right now so you can schedule an appointment at a time that is convenient for 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.

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