Although some people think of ingrown toenails as a trivial health problem, the truth is that they can cause a number of issues. Characterized by nail margins growing into the surrounding skin, ingrown toenails limit mobility, cause acute pain, and can even trigger nail loss. Fortunately, here at Arizona Foot and Wound Specialists in Phoenix, AZ, Dr. James Longton takes care of ingrown toenails. Your feet will look and feel much better.
Onychocryptosis
This is the medical term for ingrown toenails, a foot problem that affects millions of Americans today. Regardless of age or occupation, people with ingrown toenails want fast relief. Unfortunately, they often perform what podiatrists call "bathroom surgery." This is a mistake. Instead, visit Dr. Longton in his Phoenix office about your ingrown toenails.
He'll inspect your feet and either trim back or remove part of the offending toenail. Partial nail avulsion requires a local anesthetic as the doctor trims away part of the problematic nail along one side. He will then bandage the toe and may prescribe antibiotic therapy to clear any infection.
Preventing ingrown toenails
Is this possible? For most people it is. However, other individuals struggle with onychocryptosis because of inherited foot structure, says the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Regardless of your heredity, reduce your chances of developing this painful condition by:
- Washing your feet with soap and water every day (to avoid athlete's foot infection)
- Wearing clean, well-fitting socks
- Trimming your nails straight across with a pair of clean nail clippers (avoid cutting the corners)
- Wearing shoes which have plenty of room in the toes
- Staying away from over the counter topical treatments (which are ineffective)
For diabetics...
People with poorly controlled blood glucose levels can suffer serious infections when they have ingrown toenails. The soreness and redness may progress to wounds, ulcerations, and even amputations.
So, if you are diabetic, please inspect your feet daily, including your nails. If you see a problem developing, contact Dr. Longton right away for an appointment.
Find out more
Ingrown toenails require prompt care. At Arizona Foot and Wound Specialists in Phoenix, AZ, Dr. James Longton is your go-to foot doctor for onychocryptosis and other conditions of the feet and ankles. The office opens weekdays at 8:30 am. Call us at (602) 445-6363.