Is your ingrown nail a real nuisance or is it just too painful to handle anymore? Drs. Leslie Rousseau and Steven Lund of Metroplex Foot and Ankle Center can help you in Richland Hills, Forth Worth, and Denton, TX.
What is an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenails are when toenails penetrate the skin in the corners or sides of your feet. Ingrown toenails may be hard, swollen, and tender in the beginning, but if left untreated by your Richland Hills, Forth Worth, or Denton podiatrist, your toes may become sore, red, and infected. Your skin may even start growing over the ingrown toenail.
What are ingrown toenails a result of?
Someone who does not trim toenails properly (too short), you may suffer from ingrown toenails. Other causes include repeated trauma or injury to your feet or fungus infections, inherited poor foot structure, and poor footwear that leave toes overcrowded.
What are your treatment options?
Treating ingrown toenails can be a simple fix:
- Soak the foot in warm and soapy water several times a day and try to keep your feet clean.
- Wear shoes that give your toes more space to move and try to avoid socks.
- Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic if there is an infection.
If your ingrown toenail is infected, your podiatrist may need to surgically remove part of the ingrown toenail. The procedure, partial nail plate avulsion, uses anesthesia to numb the surgical area to avoid pain and discomfort.
Note that if you are going to take any medication to treat your ingrown toenail, make sure to contact your podiatrist.
Whom should you contact for more information?
For more information about ingrown toenails from Metroplex Foot and Ankle Center, you should contact your podiatrist, Drs. Leslie Rousseau and Steven Lund, in Richland Hills and Forth Worth by calling (817) 595-1310) or Denton at (940) 323-2225 today!