If your toe looks dark and swollen, and you feel pressure and pain underneath your toenail, you could have an ingrown toenail. Our podiatrist Dr. Larry Goldstein at Warner Robins Foot and Ankle in Warner Robins, GA can help.
What You Need To Know About an Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail occurs when your toenail grows into the surrounding skin of your toe.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
You can develop an ingrown toenail from a few causes including trauma or an injury to your toe or nail, having toenails that naturally curve under, cutting your toenails too short, rounding the corners of your toenails, or wearing narrow shoes which press your toes and toenails together.
Signs and Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail
You may have an ingrown toenail if you notice:
- Swelling and pressure around your toenail
- Bruising and redness around your toenail
- Throbbing pain under and around your toenail
- Your toenail separating from the nail bed
- Blood or pus coming out from underneath your toenail
What You Can Do at Home To Treat an Ingrown Toenail
You may be able to get relief from an ingrown toenail if you:
- Soak your toe in warm water several times daily
- Place a small piece of dental floss under your toenail to hold the toenail off the skin
- Apply antibiotic cream around your toenail
- Wrap your toe in bandaging to protect it
- Wear open-toe shoes or sandals to help your toes heal
When You Should See a Podiatrist for an Ingrown Toenail
You should see a podiatrist if your ingrown toenail doesn’t respond to home therapies, is getting worse, or is keeping you from wearing shoes, standing, or walking without pain.
How a Podiatrist Can Treat an Ingrown Toenail
Your podiatrist offers several effective treatments for ingrown toenails and may recommend:
- Trimming off the ingrown part of your toenail
- Lifting and separating the toenail from the surrounding skin
- Removing the entire toenail to promote growth of a healthy, new toenail
What You Can Do To Help Prevent Ingrown Toenails
To minimize your risk of developing an ingrown toenail, you need to:
- Avoid cutting your toenails too short
- Trim your toenails straight across
- Wear protective shoes appropriate to the sport or activity you are doing
- Avoid going barefoot to keep from injuring your toes or toenails
Want To Know More?
To find out more about the prevention and treatment of ingrown toenails and how your podiatrist can help, call Dr. Larry Goldstein at Warner Robins Foot and Ankle in Warner Robins, GA. You can reach him in the office by calling (478) 328-2008, so call today.