Ingrown toenails can be extremely painful. Indeed, you may find yourself struggling simply to walk if you’re suffering from ingrown nails. Fortunately, ingrown nail treatment options are available. You can try at-home treatments, or you can work with a medical expert who can address your ingrown nail quickly and professionally. Looking for ingrown toenail treatment near Springfield, IL, and Decatur, IL? Stop by the Foot and Ankle Center of Illinois.
With ingrown nails, your skin and the nails themselves essentially come into conflict. Your nail may start to grow into your skin, putting pressure on it. Likewise, your skin may step out of line and start to grow over your nails. In either case, you may suffer pain and may even have trouble using your digits.
Ingrown nails are more commonly associated with toenails. However, you can also experience ingrown fingernails.
Let’s take a look at ingrown nail treatments. If you have any questions, it’s time to talk with an expert.
Treating Ingrown Toe Nails
If you notice ingrown nails, you need to start treatment right away. There are some steps you can take at home, including:
- Soak your feet in warm water up to four times a day for 15 to 20 minutes. This may reduce swelling and relieve tenderness.
- Avoid tight shoes, socks, and hosiery that can put pressure on your toes.
- Pain pills, such as ibuprofen, can temporarily reduce pain. Ibuprofen and other medications may also reduce swelling, providing relief.
You can also use q-tips and dental floss, placing it underneath your nails to encourage proper growth. If you’d like to try this method, it often helps to talk with a professional. Visit the Foot and Ankle Center of Illinois for ingrown toenail treatment near Springfield, IL, and Decatur, IL.
Unfortunately, if the pain doesn’t go away in a few days or you repeatedly suffer ingrown nails, more intensive treatment may be needed. With severely ingrown nails, surgery may be necessary.
Ingrown Nail Surgery Explained
In some cases, surgery is needed to remove the nail and also skin tissue. In some cases, the nail and tissue may simply be trimmed. In other cases, you may need to completely remove the nail. A doctor may also prescribe prescription antibiotics to prevent infections.
Ingrown Nail Prevention
In some cases, you can prevent ingrown nails with the proper steps. One common cause of ingrown nails is wearing tight shoes. If you’re sporting tight shoes, they’ll exert pressure on your nails and may increase the risk of growth problems, including ingrown nails. Proper hygiene, including regularly trimming your toenails, can also reduce risks.
Whether you want to prevent or treat ingrown nails, it’s wise to talk to a professional. Stop by the Foot and Ankle Center of Illinois for ingrown toenail treatment near Springfield, IL, and Decatur, IL. You can also call (217) 787-2700 to speak with a medical expert.