Warts are embarrassing and can be painful, and the fact that they affect 10% of the population worldwide is little solace when one is affecting your self-esteem or causing you discomfort. Learn about effective treatments here.
If you suddenly notice persistent throbbing and worsening pain in your big toe, take a look — you may have an ingrown toenail. Visual cues that indicate possible infection include swelling and redness, and the painful area can even feel hot.
Though ingrown toenails can be treatable at home if the symptoms aren’t severe, it’s best to have your toe checked out by an experienced podiatrist. The stellar team of podiatrists at South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers cares for you with expertise in treatments that’s likely to well exceed your expectations.
When you have an ingrown toenail, the nail’s corner or side edge starts to grow into your skin, which feels awful. If the skin breaks, you’re at risk for infection. Big toes are most often affected by an ingrown nail, but it can happen in other toes.
Most ingrown toenails are caused by cutting your toenail improperly. Instead of trimming straight across, you might round the corners or simply trim the nail too short. Tight shoes — and even tight socks — can also lead to an ingrown toenail.
Some individuals are simply more prone to having an ingrown nail problem because they inherited a predisposition, while a traumatic injury to your toe — like when you’re playing sports — can also make you more likely to get one.
You may be able to prevent your ingrown toenail from worsening by doing home treatment, including soaking your foot several times per day in warm water with Epsom salts. While you soak your toe, it may help to very gently push your skin away from your toenail with a cotton ball.
If you notice more intense pain, inflammation, redness, or warmth near your nail, it’s time to seek professional care. Our team can keep your ingrown toenail from getting worse, or address an infection if they find one.
Your podiatrist has a range of customizable treatments based on the severity of your symptoms and whether an infection has developed:
Remember, it typically takes a number of months for your nail to regrow, so it’s important to protect it during this period.
We can’t emphasize enough the importance of proper treatment for an ingrown nail. There’s a very real chance of an untreated infection spreading to your bone, which leads to bone tissue death.
If you’ve suffered an ingrown toenail, chances are you never want another one. We talk to you about preventing recurrences, and give you tips on how to lower your risk:
Also, ingrown toenails and other foot injuries are especially dangerous for people with diabetes; if you have diabetes, check your feet daily for signs of an ingrown toenail or any other easy-to-miss injury.
We’re here to help if you find yourself with an ingrown toenail. Our practice offers early-morning and evening appointments, as well as Saturday time slots, for your convenience.
Call the South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers office that’s closest to you — in Royal Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens, or Belle Glade, Florida — to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist, or book one online.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Warts are embarrassing and can be painful, and the fact that they affect 10% of the population worldwide is little solace when one is affecting your self-esteem or causing you discomfort. Learn about effective treatments here.
If you live with diabetes, it’s critical to make foot care your top priority, since minor foot problems can turn serious quickly. Learn what to watch out for and how you can best care for your feet.
Corns and calluses are two distinct skin issues that affect your feet, but there’s confusion around what differentiates them. Learn about what defines each condition, how to prevent them, and effective treatments.
Hammertoe is a foot problem that’s both uncomfortable and unsightly. Learn who’s at risk for this problem, and why your choice of shoes is critical to discouraging its development.
Gout is a kind of arthritis, and you may be surprised at the reason it develops. It causes intense, sudden pain, among other symptoms. Learn about the risk factors for gout, its most prominent symptoms, and what can be done about it.
Plantar fasciitis develops when your plantar fascia, the strong band of tissue that runs the length of your foot, becomes inflamed. It can cause severe pain and limit your mobility significantly. Learn about the diverse treatments that offer relief.