How your podiatrists in Wesley Chapel, Riverview/Apollo Beach, and Sun City Center, FL, can help with an ingrown toenail

Ingrown toenails are uncomfortable. They can make it difficult and painful to wear shoes, stand, and walk. Fortunately, your podiatrist is an expert at treating ingrown toenails.

The podiatrists at Total Foot and Ankle Of Tampa Bay provide a wide range of foot and ankle services, including treatment of ingrown toenails. They have several convenient office locations in Wesley Chapel, Riverview/Apollo Beach, and Sun City Center, FL, to help you and your feet.

Did you know you can do a lot to prevent ingrown toenails? Just remember to:

• Avoid cutting toenails too short
• Cut toenails straight across, with no rounded corners
• Wear shoes with a wide toe box, so your toes have plenty of room
• Wear appropriate shoes for the activity you are doing, to prevent toe and toenail injury

If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, you will know it because your toe will:

• Look dark, bruised, and swollen
• Feel painful due to throbbing and pressure
• Drain fluid from underneath your toenail

You may be able to heal an ingrown toenail yourself if you try:

• Soaking your toe in warm water several times daily
• Placing dental floss underneath your toenail to hold it above your skin
• Applying antibiotic cream underneath your toenail to reduce infection
• Cushioning your toe with cotton or bandages
• Wearing open shoes or sandals until your toe heals
• Taking over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications

For moderate to severe ingrown toenail discomfort, it’s best to visit your podiatrist. Professional treatments for ingrown toenails include:

• Lifting and separating your toenail from the surrounding skin
• Trimming off the ingrown part of your toenail so your toenail can grow freely
• Removing your entire toenail to promote growth of a healthy new toenail

To learn more about the causes and treatment of ingrown toenails, talk with the experts. Call the podiatrists at Total Foot and Ankle Of Tampa Bay. 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.