When To See A Podiatrist For Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails typically start as a minor problem that may be a little tender when touched. However, without proper attention and care, they can rapidly escalate into a bigger, painful problem, making it uncomfortable to wear shoes, walk normally, or even take a step. In the worst-case scenario, an ingrown toenail can trigger an infection that might spread to your toe bone.
For adequate treatment, knowing when to contact a podiatrist for your ingrown toenail is essential. Let us look into the journey of how they are formed and when to see a podiatrist for ingrown toenails.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
When a toenail's front edge or side painfully digs into the soft skin on the sides of your nail, it's called an ingrown toenail. Normally, toenails grow straight out from the nail grooves.
Ingrown toenails are a common problem and usually affect the big toe. However, they can happen to any toenail and can occur on one or both sides of the nail. Ingrown toenails can happen for various reasons, such as:
Tight Shoes: Shoes that are too tight or pinch your toes.
Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting your toenails too short or in a curved shape instead of straight across.
Injuries: Dropping something heavy on your foot, falling, or other foot injuries.
Hereditary Factors: Some people inherit nail shapes that curve, making ingrown toenails more likely.
When Should I See A Podiatrist For An Ingrown Toenail?
If you have diabetes or another condition that affects the blood circulation of your foot, you're more likely to develop infections that can rapidly threaten your overall well-being. Therefore, it's essential to address even mild ingrown toenail symptoms.
Diabetes and other conditions might reduce the sensitivity and sensation in your feet. Thus, we recommend you pay routine visits to your podiatrist. Otherwise, making an appointment is advisable when an ingrown toenail causes pain, redness, swelling, or other signs of trouble. Even if you're generally healthy, an infection can develop, potentially affecting the toe bone.
What To Expect From The Podiatrist For An Ingrown Toenail?
Before reaching out to a reliable podiatrist, it is important to investigate what to expect from the podiatrist for your ingrown toenail.
A podiatrist will remove the ingrown part of the nail and may prescribe medication to treat any infection. If you are facing a chronic ingrown nail problem, a podiatrist can perform a procedure to prevent them from coming back. This involves removing the ingrown nail corner and its root using chemicals, lasers, or other methods.
How To Prevent Ingrown Toenails?
You can take steps at home to reduce the chance of ingrown toenails:
● Regularly trim your toenails to keep them even with the tips of your toes. Avoid cutting them too short or letting them get too long.
● Clip your toenails straight across rather than following the curve of your toe. Ensure your pedicurist does the same.
● Wear well-fitting shoes with roomy toe space to prevent crowding.
● Check your feet regularly, especially if you have diabetes, to spot any toenails growing inward.
Bottom Line
Ingrown toenails are a common issue that various factors can cause. If you have certain medical conditions, addressing ingrown toenails is crucial for treating them promptly. A podiatrist can help you by providing adequate treatments, medications, or surgery, if needed, to prevent further problems. Ingrown toenails can be painful and problematic at times. Therefore, taking the best care of your nails at home is recommended to minimize the risk of ingrown toenails.
If you are also facing a problem of such kind, you must promptly seek help from Ultimate Health for healthy-looking feet. Ultimate Health is a group of devoted healthcare professionals who are committed to offering a tailored holistic approach toward your well-being. We offer entrusted psychology, physiotherapy, optometry, and podiatry services in Graystanes. Book your appointment now and switch to a healthier life.
