Ingrown toenails, a common yet painful condition, can disrupt your daily routine and negatively impact your overall foot health. At Roadrunner Foot and Ankle in Peoria, Arizona, we specialize in providing comprehensive care for ingrown toenails, ensuring you can walk comfortably and confidently. In this blog post, we'll delve into the causes, symptoms, and effective treatment options for ingrown toenails.

What Are Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges or corners of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. While any toenail can become ingrown, it most commonly affects the big toe. This condition can lead to infection if not treated promptly and properly.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Several factors can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails, including:

1. Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting your toenails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
2. Tight Footwear: Shoes that are too tight or narrow can press the toenails into the surrounding skin, leading to ingrown nails.
3. Injury: Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing it or dropping something heavy on it, can cause the nail to grow incorrectly.
4. Genetics: Some people are more prone to ingrown toenails due to the natural shape and thickness of their nails.
5. Poor Foot Hygiene: Failing to keep your feet clean and dry can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails.

Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

Recognizing the symptoms of an ingrown toenail is crucial for seeking timely treatment. Common signs include:

• Pain and Tenderness: Pain along one or both sides of the nail.
• Redness and Swelling: Inflammation around the nail.
• Infection: If left untreated, the area may become infected, characterized by pus, increased redness, and a foul odor.

Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails

At Roadrunner Foot and Ankle in Peoria, Arizona, we offer various treatment options to alleviate the pain and address the underlying cause of ingrown toenails. Here are some effective treatments:

Home Remedies

For mild cases, you can try the following home remedies:

• Soaking Your Feet: Soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes, several times a day, to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• Proper Nail Trimming: Trim your nails straight across without rounding the edges. Use clean, sharp nail clippers.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Choose shoes with plenty of room for your toes to prevent pressure on the ingrown nail.
• Use Antibiotic Creams: Apply over-the-counter antibiotic ointments to prevent infection.

Professional Treatments

For persistent or severe cases, professional treatment is necessary. At Roadrunner Foot and Ankle, we provide:

• Nail Lifting: For a slightly ingrown nail, we can gently lift the nail edge and place a small piece of cotton or a splint under it to separate the nail from the skin and help it grow above the skin edge.
• Partial Nail Removal: For more severe cases, we may perform a minor surgical procedure to remove a portion of the nail. This helps alleviate pain and prevent recurrence.
• Total Nail Removal: In recurrent cases, total removal of the nail might be necessary. This procedure involves removing the entire nail and treating the nail bed to prevent the nail from growing back.
• Antibiotics: If an infection is present, we may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to treat it.

Prevention Tips

Preventing ingrown toenails involves a few simple steps:

• Trim Nails Properly: Always cut your nails straight across and avoid rounding the corners.
• Wear Appropriate Footwear: Choose shoes that fit well and provide adequate space for your toes.
• Maintain Good Foot Hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry to avoid infections.

Why Choose Roadrunner Foot and Ankle?

At Roadrunner Foot and Ankle in Peoria, Arizona, our experienced podiatrists are dedicated to providing personalized and effective treatment for ingrown toenails and other foot-related issues. We understand the discomfort and inconvenience that ingrown toenails can cause, and we're committed to helping you achieve optimal foot health.

If you're suffering from an ingrown toenail, don't wait for it to worsen. Contact and make an appointment with Dr. Margaret Withrow or Dr. Dylan Kaumaya at  Roadrunner Foot and Ankle in Peoria Arizona  today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward pain-free feet.