Though just a tiny area of your toe (usually your big toe) is affected, the pain caused by an ingrown toenail can take over your life. In fact, 20% of visits to healthcare providers for foot problems are due to an ingrown toenail.
This is because of what happens when you develop an ingrown toenail: The corner of your toenail actually starts growing — read “stabbing ruthlessly” — into your tender skin! Your skin may also grow over your nail, adding to the pain.
An ingrown toenail can become unsightly, too, and make you want to hide your feet.
But how do you know when home remedies aren’t doing the trick, and you need care from an experienced podiatrist?
In addition to providing expert treatment for ingrown toenails, Dr. Biren Shah and the caring team at Midwest Foot & Ankle Associates provide comprehensive services for a wide range of foot conditions, from bunions to ankle pain to foot issues related to diabetes and more.
Dr. Shah is committed to accurately diagnosing your condition, creating a completely customized treatment plan, and remaining your trusted provider throughout your care experience.
An ingrown toenail can be linked to habits like rounding the edges of your toenail when you trim it or simply trimming it too short. Additionally, your natural toenail shape may be curved in such a way that it makes you more prone to developing an ingrown toenail.
Having toenail fungus or experiencing a toe injury can also set you up for an ingrown toenail, as can wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly.
Although you can’t control whether you injure your foot or the natural shape of your toenails, you should be mindful of cutting your nails straight across to lower your risk — and avoid clipping your nails too short.
Symptoms can include:
When left untreated, as the ingrowing worsens and infection develops, you may find it challenging to wear shoes or walk comfortably.
You may be able to treat your ingrown toenail at home by soaking it in warm water mixed with Epsom salts twice a day. Applying an antibiotic cream and a bandage can also help prevent infection and protect the wound.
You may also benefit from placing a small piece of gauze or dental floss just under the corner of the ingrown nail. This lifts the nail slightly so it can grow above the skin. Never try to remove part of the nail, as this can worsen your pain and pose a significant risk of infection.
We also recommend wearing soft, cushioned shoes that give your toes plenty of room to spread out. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories (naproxen, ibuprofen, Advil) can help relieve pain and swelling.
Unfortunately, home remedies don’t always solve the problem — and pain — of an ingrown toenail, meaning it’s time to seek treatment from a podiatrist.
Call us anytime you’re concerned about your foot or ankle health. Otherwise, symptoms that warrant a call to Midwest Foot & Ankle Associates for an ingrown toenail include:
It’s essential to contact us sooner rather than later if you have an ingrown toenail and a history of diabetes, poor circulation, or known nerve damage.
When you visit Midwest Foot & Ankle Associates, Dr. Shah thoroughly discusses the timeline of your pain and other symptoms and evaluates the affected nail.
Depending on the severity, Dr. Shah may upgrade home care remedies with medical-grade products and techniques to redirect nail growth. If he suspects an infection and your symptoms are severe, Dr. Shah may recommend removing the affected portion of your toenail and prescribing antibiotics to clear the infection.
Some patients are plagued by recurrent ingrown toenails. In that case, Dr. Shah may recommend changes to footwear, good nail hygiene and trimming, or advanced therapies to halt nail growth.
Whatever your situation, Dr. Shah approaches your care with vast experience, advanced knowledge, and empathy.
Contact our Elgin or Rockford office to schedule an appointment or book an evaluation online.
