Ingrown toenails are a common foot health problem. Painful, unsightly, and sometimes infected, these toenails require proper treatment. At Foot & Ankle Specialists of Orlando, FL, Dr. Timothy Mason, and Dr. Jason Hancock can help you because podiatry is their passion.
A problem toenail
Ingrown toenails--also called onychomycosis--can affect any toe; however, the big toe is the typical site. The leading edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing:
- Pain and soreness
- Redness around the nail
- Swelling of the toe
- Infection (sometimes with pus)
- A pulling away of the nail from the underlying nail plate
- Skin growing over the edge of the toenail
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says that Athlete's foot, an itchy fungal infection of the skin of the foot, often precedes or accompanies onychomycosis. So, both professional and amateur athletes often develop ingrown nails.
Other causes of ingrown toenails include:
- Tight shoes which cause pressure on the toenails
- Poorly fitting socks (bunched up at the toes)
- Improper nail trimming (rounding the corners)
- Dirty pedicure tools
- Injury to the foot
- Inherited foot structure (big toes which curve upward, causing friction on the inside of the shoes)
- Pincer nails which naturally curve down into the surrounding skin
How we can help
See one of Orlando's foremost podiatry specialists. Dr. Mason or Dr. Hancock will inspect your problem nail and may recommend the following:
- Partial nail avulsion, or removal of the nail on the affected side
- Anti-fungal cream or oral medication
- Antibiotics to treat medication
- Proper trimming of all nails straight across and never rounding the corners
- Daily foot washing with soap and water and thorough drying with a clean towel
- Wearing clean socks daily
- Wearing shoes with ample space in the toe boxes
- Avoiding foot injury (limit how often you go barefoot, and wear protective footwear at work)
Come see us
An ingrown toenail can become so uncomfortable. Don't wait for treatment. Call Foot & Ankle Specialists of Orlando for a consultation with your podiatrists, Dr. Jason Hancock and Dr. Timothy Mason. We have four convenient locations: Orlando, FL, Downtown Orlando, Oviedo, and Lake Mary. Phone (407) 365-9511.