Healthy Toenail Ingrown Toenail
A stubbed toe is bad enough, but an ingrown toenail can turn everyday life into a painful ordeal. While you might think it's a minor issue, ingrown toenails deserve professional expertise for fast and lasting relief.
What is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail happens when the corner or edge of your nail curves down and grows into the soft skin of your toe. Ouch! This usually affects the big toe, but any toe can suffer from this.
Signs You Might Need a Podiatrist
Redness: The skin around your nail looks red and irritated.
Pain and Tenderness: It hurts, even with light pressure.
Swelling: Your toe might feel a bit puffy.
Discharge: If you see pus or yellowish fluid or bleeding around the nail, that's a sign of an ingrown nail wound and possibly an infection.
Why Do They Happen?
Several factors can contribute to ingrown toenails:
Improper Cutting: Trimming your toenails too short or with a curved edge can encourage them to grow into the skin.
Tight shoes: Footwear that squeezes your toes puts pressure on the nails, making them dig in.
Injury: Stubbing your toe or other trauma can damage the nail and its growth.
Nail Shape: Inheriting naturally curved nails makes you more prone to this problem.
Don't Try to Be Your Own Foot Surgeon
While home remedies might seem tempting, they often worsen an ingrown toenail or lead to complications. Trying to dig out the nail yourself can create more damage and increase the risk of infection.
When to Call Us
If any of the following apply, it's time for a podiatrist's help:
Home care doesn't improve things within a few days.
Recurring ingrown toenails.
Spreading redness or severe pain indicates a possible infection.
You have diabetes or other conditions affecting circulation.
How We Can Help
Don't let an ingrown toenail keep you down. As podiatrists, we have the specialised knowledge and tools to:
Carefully relieve pain and prevent infection.
Address the underlying cause of the ingrown toenail.
Provide tips for preventing future ingrown toenails.
In more complex/chronic cases, offer minor surgical procedures for permanent relief.
Contact Us Today!
Contact The Functional Podiatrist to schedule an appointment and let us help you put your best foot forward!
02035760630
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