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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

 

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown Toenails

Foot pain, , , ,

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem. They develop when the edge of your toenail grows into the skin of your toe, and they’re often painful. Ingrown toenails can cause minor discomfort or terrible pain, depending on how much they have grown. For many lucky people, an ingrown nail will resolve by itself, without any treatment.

An ingrown toenail can be as a result of one or more of the following reasons:

Constant stress to the toes: This can occur with athletes who kick things all the time. It is also common with people who do ballet and people who wear shoes that pinch their toes

Trauma to the toe: A stubbed toe can develop an ingrown nail. Dropping a heavy object on a toe can also result in an ingrown nail

Cutting the toenails the wrong way: Toenails should be cut straight across. Trying to round the toenail at the corners can cause it to grow into the folds of the toes

Thickened toenails: Some people have naturally thick nails. So do many older people. Thick toenails are more likely to become ingrown

A hereditary trait: Some people have a genetic trait (like nails that fan sideways) that causes their toenails to become ingrown

How is an ingrown toenail treated?

Minor ingrown toenails can heal on their own as the nail grows out. However, severe or infected ingrown nails require professional medical care.

It’s important to learn the signs of an ingrown nail infection so you know when it’s time to visit a foot doctor. If you have an ingrown toenail, you can experience one, many, or all of these symptoms:

  • Drainage, like blood or pus
  • Significant swelling
  • Warmth
  • Worsening pain
  • Toe pain and sensitivity where your toenail and skin meet
  • Swelling of the skin that surrounds your nail
  • Redness
  • Signs of infection, such as bleeding and pus drainage

If your nail is infected, it won’t heal on its own. The only way to treat the infection and prevent painful complications is to visit a podiatrist from European Foot & Ankle Clinic  for ingrown nail care. There are options when it comes to treating ingrown toenails.

Call Chicago podiatrists to schedule an appointment for ingrown toenails: 773-205-0106