Ouch! I Think I Might Have An Ingrown Toenail!
One of the most common nail impairments is an ingrown toenail
, which occurs when corners or sides of the nail dig painfully into the soft tissue of the nail grooves. When this occurs, you will often experience irritation, redness, and swelling. Typically, your toenails are supposed to grow straight out, but sometimes one or both corners will curve and grow into the flesh. Your big toe is usually the victim of this condition, but other toes can also become affected.
If you trim your toenails too short, especially on the sides of your big toes, you may be setting yourself up for an ingrown toenail. Many people trim their nails by tapering the corners so that the nail curves with the shape of your toe. However, this technique may only encourage your toenail to grow into the skin of your toe. An ingrown toenail may also occur if you wear shoes that are too tight or too short.
What are the Symptoms?
When an ingrown toenail first develops, it may be hard, swollen and tender. Once it progresses, it may get red and infected while feeling very sore. Ingrown toenails are a common, painful condition, but there is no reason why you should "put up with" the pain. Any of your toenails can become ingrown, but your big toe is the most prone to this. Redness, pain and swelling at the corner of the nail may result and an infection may soon follow if not properly cared for. You may even experience a small amount of pus that drains from the ingrown toenail area.
Ingrown toenails can develop for an array of reasons. While some cases are congenital-the nail is just too large for the toe-or trauma might occur, such as stubbing your toe or having your toe stepped on. Ultimately, however, the most common cause is by wearing a tight shoe or improper grooming and trimming of the nail.
Try Conservative Methods First
Initially, if you begin to experience symptoms of an ingrown toenail, you can begin treatment through conservative care. If you recognize the ingrown toenail early, before infection sets in, home care may be used to prevent the need for further treatment. At home, try the following treatment methods:
*Soak your foot in warm water 3-4 times a day
*Keep your food dry during the rest of the day
*Wear comfortable shoes with adequate room for your toes
*Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief as needed
If there is no improvement in your condition after 2-3 days, or if it worsens, contact your podiatrist in Austin for further diagnosis and treatment.
Surgical Treatment When Condition is Not Relieved
If you begin to experience excessive inflammation, swelling, pain and discharge, this means your toenail is probably infected and should be treated by your Austin podiatrist immediately. Through proper diagnosis, your podiatrist may prescribe oral antibiotics and your nail may need to be partially or completely removed. Your podiatrist can surgically remove a portion of your nail, a portion of the underlying nail bed, some of the adjacent soft tissues and even a part of the growth center.
Surgery is an effective way to eliminate the nail edge from growing inward and cutting into the fleshy folds as the toenail grows forward. Permanent removal of the nail may be advised for children with chronic, recurrent infected ingrown toenails.
Visit your Austin, TX podiatrist immediately if you are experiencing pain from an ingrown toenail. The sooner you seek treatment, the better.
by: Gen Wright
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