Category Archives: ingrown toenail

toenail fungus

Get Rid of Ingrown Toenail

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Ingrown toenails can be quite uncomfortable! Here are some tips to help alleviate the discomfort and prevent further issues:

  1. Soak your feet: Soaking your feet in warm water can soften the skin around the nail and reduce swelling. Add Epsom salts for added relief.
  2. Proper cutting technique: Trim your nails straight across to prevent them from growing into the skin. Avoid cutting them too short or rounding the edges, as this can encourage ingrowth.
  3. Wear comfortable shoes: Tight shoes can put pressure on your toes, exacerbating ingrown toenails. Opt for comfortable, well-fitting shoes that give your toes enough space.
  4. Keep your feet clean and dry: Cleanliness is important to prevent infections. Dry your feet thoroughly after bathing and wear breathable socks made of natural fibers to keep moisture away.
  5. Use a toe protector or cotton: Placing a small piece of cotton under the ingrown edge of the nail can help lift it away from the skin and relieve pressure. Toe protectors available at pharmacies can also help in a similar way.
  6. Over-the-counter remedies: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help with the pain and swelling associated with ingrown toenails.
  7. See a professional: If the ingrown toenail is causing severe pain, redness, or signs of infection (like pus or increased swelling), it’s advisable to see a podiatrist or a foot specialist. They can provide professional care, including lifting the nail edge, removing the ingrown portion, or prescribing antibiotics if an infection is present.

Remember, taking good care of your feet and nails is crucial in preventing ingrown toenails. If you’re prone to them, being proactive with proper nail trimming and foot care can make a significant difference in reducing their occurrence.

Call and schedule an appointment with our Chicago podiatrists at 773-769-3310. Our podiatrists can provide a proper diagnosis based on your symptoms, medical history, and potentially recommend imaging studies or other diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

ingrown toenail

Ingrown Toenails

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Podiatrists in Chicago at European Foot & Ankle Clinic treat ingrown toenails, heel pain (plantar fasciitis), foot complications from diabetes, ankle and foot arthritis, nerve problems, tendonitis, hammertoes, flat feet, nail disorders, bunions, warts, fungus, fractures, and sprains.

An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This condition can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. Ingrown toenails most commonly affect the big toe, but they can occur on any toe.

Causes:

  1. Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
  2. Ill-Fitting Shoes: Tight or narrow shoes can put pressure on the toes and push the nail into the skin.
  3. Trauma: Stubbing your toe or injuring it can lead to the nail growing abnormally.
  4. Genetics: Some people are more prone to ingrown toenails due to the natural shape of their nails or the structure of their toes.
  5. Poor Nail Care: Not keeping the feet clean and dry can increase the risk of infection around ingrown toenails.

Symptoms:

  • Pain and tenderness along the side of the nail.
  • Redness and swelling around the nail.
  • Inflammation and possible infection with pus.
  • Difficulty wearing shoes or walking comfortably.

Treatment and Prevention:

  1. Soaking: Soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salt for about 15-20 minutes a few times a day. This can help soften the skin and reduce inflammation.
  2. Proper Nail Trimming: Trim your toenails straight across and avoid rounding the corners. Don’t cut them too short.
  3. Wear Proper Shoes: Choose shoes that fit well and have enough room for your toes to move comfortably.
  4. Avoid Trauma: Be cautious to avoid injuring your toes.
  5. Cotton Under the Nail: If the nail is just starting to ingrow, placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the edge can help lift it above the skin.
  6. See a Doctor: If the ingrown toenail is severe, causing intense pain, infection, or if you have diabetes or circulation problems, it’s important to consult a doctor. They might need to trim the nail or, in some cases, perform a minor surgical procedure to remove a portion of the nail.
  7. Antibiotics: If an infection is present, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Remember that if you have diabetes or other medical conditions that affect circulation or immunity, it’s especially important to take care of your feet and seek podiatrist in Chicago advice promptly if you suspect an ingrown toenail by calling: 773-205-0106