If you've never had an ingrown toenail yourself, odds are you know someone who has. Almost everyone will experience this issue at least once in their lifetime. No matter how mild the case, seeing professional treatment for ingrown toenails reduces the risk of recurrence and dramatically lowers your risk of infection.
Never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns regarding an ingrown toenail of any type or severity. We’re always happy to help!
Ingrown Toenail Symptoms
A toenail becomes ingrown when the edge or corner begins to grow into the skin around the nail. The big toe is most commonly seen with ingrown nails, but all the toes can be affected. Early symptoms often include the following:
- Tenderness and pain
- Swelling or hardening of the surrounding skin
- Redness
- Accumulation of fluid around the toe
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, don't hesitate to give us a call.
When Should I See a Podiatrist About an Ingrown Toenail?
Professionals like Dr. Dailey warn against taking care of ingrown nails at home. This means no digging, cutting, or pulling out of the nail. We often refer to these methods as "bathroom surgeries," which can lead to severe infections or even a worsening of the original condition.
If your toenail is painful to the touch, it may be ingrown. Keep an eye out for pus, redness or red streaks, or other signs of infection.
Do you regularly experience ingrown toenails? Frequent recurrence of these issues can be caused by many factors: from stubbing your toe to the structure of your foot itself. Most importantly, call us and set up an appointment. Not only can we eradicate the painful problem, but we can also determine the underlying cause and work to inhibit the formation of another ingrown toenail in the future.
If you have diabetes or have poor circulation, even minor foot problems can spiral out of control. Let us know what is going on. We are here to help!
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Conservative Ingrown Toenail Treatment
In most mild and non-recurring cases, an ingrown toenail can be treated effectively via conservative methods. You may be able to alleviate the symptoms at home. This involves:
- Soaking the foot in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes, several times per day, with Epsom salts if you wish.
- Applying an antibiotic ointment and bandage.
- Sticking to bare feet or open-toed shoes as much as possible while the ingrown nail heals. If you must wear closed-toe shoes, try to wear those with roomy toe boxes.
We might also recommend medication to relieve pain and swelling and consider additional conservative treatments as necessary.
Suppose we can trace your ingrown toenail to certain potential causes, such as tight shoes or improper trimming of toenails. In that case, we can provide advice and recommendations to help prevent the problem from occurring again.
Surgical Treatment for Ingrown Toenails
In recurring cases, Dr. Dailey can remove a portion of the affected nail or the entirety of the nail to provide relief. Additionally, if ingrown toenails are a common issue for you, treatment of the nail bed may be performed to halt any new nail growth and avoid the problem altogether.
The best part? These procedures are performed right here in our office. We utilize local anesthesia to numb the area, and the toe typically feels better when it wears off. In addition, if Dr. Dailey recommends a procedure, we perform it as soon as the first visit. No need to schedule another appointment. We respect the importance of your time and perform most procedures on the same day as your initial visit!
Advanced Treatment for Ingrown Toenails
Previously, the only available option for ingrown toenail treatment involved an in-office procedure. That's why we are thrilled to offer Onyfix. This state-of-the-art technology is a new, non-invasive way to treat painful ingrown toenails. Onyfix is perfect for patients with needle phobias, diabetes, pregnant or breastfeeding patients, and many others!
Learn More: Non-Invasive Treatment For Ingrown Toenails
Help for Ingrown Toenails
Freeland Foot & Ankle Clinic is always happy to provide treatment and advice for ingrown toenails of any type. Give us a call at (989) 695-6788 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.