Relief from an Ingrown Toenail

You usually see them on a big toe but any toe can be affected. You will know you have an ingrown toenail because you will be able to see your nail growing incorrectly. Instead of growing straight up over your toe, the nail will dig into the flesh on one or the other side of your toe.

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Causes of ingrown nails.

Improper trimming. If you cut your nails too short or too rounded, you’re putting yourself at risk of an ingrown nail.

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Poorly fitting shoes. Shoes with pointed toes and high heels put too much pressure on your toes and cause them to compress. This leaves your toenails nowhere to go except into the flesh of your foot.

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Trauma such as dropping something on your toe or repeated pressure due to running.

Misalignment of your foot can lead to ingrown nails and other foot problems.

 

Prevention

Anyone that has ever had an ingrown toenail wish they knew these tips. At Parkway Back & Foot Clinic, we equally stress educating our clients to prevent these painful ailments from happening in the future.

 

Here are a few tips:

• Trim your toenails straight across and try not to angle your nails to match the shape of the front of your toe.

• If you have poor circulation or blood flow to your feet and find it difficult to trim your toenails, see a Chiropodist and get your nails trimmed. 

• Keep toenails at a moderate length so they're even with the tips of your toes.

• Wear shoes that fit. 

• Wear protective footwear. If your work puts you at risk of injuring your toes, wear protective footwear, such as steel-toed shoes.

• Check your feet. For those with diabetes, it is imperative to regularly look for these common problems and stay on top.

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What happens if you ignore an ingrown toenail?

Left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected. A fungal infection can be very painful and requires antibiotics to get rid of it. Your untreated ingrown toenail can even lead to a bone infection. An untreated infection can be especially serious for patients with diabetes and lead to gangrene.

 

Can you treat ingrown toenails on your own?

If you have an ingrown nail you should wear shoes with enough toe room and soak your foot in warm water and Epsom salts at least once daily for comfort. You can also apply a soothing ointment and fresh bandage each day. However, it is best to visit your trusted Chiropodist to get a proper diagnosis. They will know whether you need an antibiotic or any special procedures.

 

How does a Chiropodist treat ingrown toenails?

After proper diagnosis, your Chiropodist may treat your ingrown toenail very conservatively or with a minimally invasive procedure. In many if not most cases, treatment involves just a 15-minute fix. 

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Still in extreme pain? We can help.

Contact us at (905) 662-9835 and we can get you started in the right direction.

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