If you have an ingrown toenail, it can be excruciating if left unaddressed and often doesn’t go away with basic home remedies. The team of board-certified podiatrists at City Podiatry offer people living in or around New York City minimally-invasive treatment solutions to eliminate any ingrowths. Call the Midtown Manhattan office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail refers to when the corner or side of your toenail starts to grow into the soft flesh at the side of your nail bed. In most cases, this happens in the big toe, with ingrown toenails affecting close to one in five American adults.
If left untreated, ingrown toenails can cause pain, redness, and swelling. In severe cases, ingrown toenails can lead to infections. Depending on the severity of your ingrowth, you might be able to lift, clip, and reshape the nail yourself, though if it hurts too much to do so, get in touch with a professional. Professional medical attention from the team at City Podiatry can ensure that an ingrowth doesn’t happen again.
What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?
The most common symptoms of an ingrown toenail include any of the following:
- Redness or swelling around the toenail
- Pain and tenderness in the affected toe
- Infection
Infections aren’t common, though if you have an infection, you’ll notice some pus in the affected area. The infection can also spread to other parts of the foot.
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, the blood flow to your feet might be obstructed. If you have an ingrown toenail, it’s important that you seek medical attention at City Podiatry as soon as possible.
What causes ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails can come about as a result of unknown causes. However, the most common causes of ingrown toenails include:
- Toenail injuries
- Unusually curved toenails
- Tight-fitting shoes that overcrowd your toenails
- Cutting your nails too short or at an angle
Your doctor at City Podiatry identifies your symptoms and then recommends the best course of treatment.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
The best thing to do while you wait for your appointment at City Podiatry is to soak your foot in warm water to relieve inflammation and irritation around the nail. Warm water also helps with the pain and tenderness in the affected area.
During your appointment, your doctor can remove a portion of the nail or the nail bed to allow the nail to grow back correctly. Nail and nail bed removal is noninvasive and often painless. However, if you’re worried about pain, your doctor can give you a local anesthetic to make sure you’re comfortable.
Ingrown toenails can be extremely painful, so why not have a professional podiatrist take care of it for you? Schedule an appointment at City Podiatry online or by phone today.