Ingrown toenails can significantly disrupt your life. Some good news regarding ingrown toenails is that they are generally easily treated and preventable. Our team of podiatrists from Total Foot and Ankle of Tampa Bay are skilled at treating ingrown toenails in Wesley Chapel, FL, Riverview/Apollo Beach, FL & Sun City Center, FL. Below are commonly asked questions about ingrown toenails.

What are ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails happen when your toenail is digging into the underlying nailbed of your toe. This can be a single toe or multiple toes simultaneously. They usually show up at the sides and corners of your toenail.

What causes ingrown toenails?

Most commonly, the cause is wearing ill-fitting shoes. Other causes are:

• Improper toenail clipping 
• Trauma, such as stubbing the toe or if something falls on your foot
• Toenail tearing
• Congenital conditions may put you at greater risk of developing ingrown toenails such as a deformity of the foot. They could be caused by having been born with bigger nails than the toes are capable of accommodating.

What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?

Mostly, pain. At first, the area around the misfit toe may be hard and swollen, which can lead to infection if not treated promptly. Some other symptoms are:

• Pus seeping from the area
• Redness or other discoloration
• Warmth and swelling

What are treatments for ingrown toenails?

Your podiatrist will recommend treatment for ingrown toenails in Wesley Chapel, FL, Riverview/Apollo Beach, FL & Sun City Center, FL depending on the severity and whether or not an infection is present. Cases that have progressed and are more advanced may require minor surgery to remove a part of the nail, but generally, ingrown toenails can be treated at home.

You need to see a podiatrist immediately if you have diabetes or other conditions that may affect circulation and cause nerve damage. When a condition exists that disrupts pain signals from the nerves, regularly inspect your feet for any abnormalities or changes.

Is there anything I can do to prevent or treat ingrown toenails?

There are many measures that you can take at home to help with ingrown toenails.

• Choosing shoes roomy in the toe area.
• Soaking your feet in warm water several times a day, especially before clipping your toenails
• Clean your nail clipper before using
• Taking NSAIDs such as Aleve to help with pain and swelling
• Practicing proper foot care as recommended by your doctor if you have diabetes
• Visiting your doctor if symptoms don't go away in a few days

Contact us

The podiatrists of Total Foot and Ankle of Tampa Bay want to return your toes to maximal health as quickly as possible. Schedule a consultation to treat your ingrown toenails in Wesley Chapel, FL, Riverview/Apollo Beach, FL & Sun City Center, FL by calling one of our 5 offices. In Wesley Chapel, call (813) 788-3600. For the Riverview/Apollo Beach area, dial (813) 633-5900. Contact the Sun City Center location at (813) 633-5900. The Zephyrhills and Valrico/Bloomingdale can also be reached at (813) 788-3600 and (813) 633-5900, respectively.