If you’ve had ingrown toenails, you know how painful they can be. Dedicated podiatrists Aldo Gonzalez, D.P.M. and Xavier Sanchez, D.P.M. regularly treat this common condition at Ankle and Foot Center of Florida in Palm Beach Gardens. If left untreated, they can worsen into an infection. To get relief, request a consultation by calling or using the online booking tool today.
Ingrown Toenails Q & A
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail border grows into the soft flesh surrounding your nail, the nail fold. Ultimately, this can lead to swelling, redness, and in some cases, infection. Anyone can develop an ingrown toenail, but they’re more common in people who have curved or pincer-shaped nails.
You can also develop ingrown toenails for a variety of reasons. Some common risk factors include:
■ Wearing tight shoes
■ Injuring your toenails
■ Being overweight
■ Improper nail trimming
■ Swelling issues
What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?
○ Redness around the affected nail
○ Warmth
○ Swelling
○ Pain or tenderness
○ Drainage
How do you treat ingrown toenails?
Most of the time, conservative methods of care like soaking your feet or taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can provide temporary relief. However, evaluation with a specialist is recommended to rule out infection & to redirect the nail with an office procedure such as:
o Partially or fully removing the nail
o Partially or fully removing the nail is an office procedure to remove the impinged nail. The removal may allow the nail to remodel and grow without impingement. For recurring cases, a chemical cautery can be performed to prevent regrowth of the nail border.
Don’t let ingrown toenails keep you from living an active lifestyle. Book your appointment at Ankle and Foot Center of Florida by calling or using the online scheduling tool today.