An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the corner of the toenail grows into the side of that toe. The side of the toe swells and impinges on the nail, worsening the condition. An ingrown toenail usually affects the big toe. If you have questions about ingrown toenails and the treatment options available, contact Atlanta foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Lance Silverman today!
Symptoms include:
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Infection.
See a doctor when you experience severe discomfort in the toe or pus or redness that seems to be spreading.
Ingrown Toenail Causes
The number one cause of an Ingrown toenail is cutting toenails too short or not straight across.
Other, less common causes include:
- Wearing shoes that crowd the toenails
- Injury to the toenail
- Unusually curved toenails
Complications of Ingrown Toenails
An untreated ingrown toenail may infect the underlying bone and lead to a serious infection of the bone, otherwise known as Osteomyelitis.
Complications can be especially severe in patients with diabetes. Any cut, scrape, corn, callus, or ingrown toenail may not heal properly and lead to infection. Difficult-to-heal open sores (foot ulcers) may require surgery to prevent gangrene which may impair blood flow to a certain area of your body leading to amputation.
If you have diabetes and get an ingrown toenail, it’s very important that you contact your doctor immediately for treatment.
Preparing for your Appointment
Here are some basic questions to ask your doctor about your ingrown toenail:
- Is my condition temporary or permanent?
- What are my treatment options?
- What results can I expect?
- Can I wait to see if the condition resolves?
- How should I care for my nails to prevent this condition?
Home Remedies for Ingrown Toenails
Most ingrown toenails can be treated with home remedies. Here are a few home treatments:
- Soak your toe in warm water for 15 minutes a couple times a day to reduce swelling.
- Put cotton or waxed dental floss under your toenail after each soaking. Do this every day until the nail grows above the edge of the skin again.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as necessary to relieve pain.
Professional Remedies
More serious ingrown toenails require professional treatment. There are a few ways a doctor can treat an ingrown toenail, including:
- Raising the nail (similar to the way described above).
- Removing parts of the nail or the nail growth plate.
Preventing Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are easy to prevent if you take the following precautions:
- Cut your toenails straight across, instead of curving them to the shape of your toe.
- Don’t cut your nails too short. Toenails trimmed too short can grow into toe tissue because of the pressure from your shoes.
- Wear shoes that fit. If your shoes are too tight, they can force your nails to grow into the tissue.
Atlanta Toe Doctor
No matter what your problem, Dr. Silverman will work with you to provide the best individualized treatment. For a list of common orthopedic ankle and foot conditions click here.