If you are dealing with an ingrown toenail, it’s important to know what caused it, how it can be treated, and what steps you can take to prevent it from happening again. At Moore Foot & Ankle Specialists in Asheville, NC, Dr. John Moore, Dr. Lily Moore, and Dr. Trusha Jariwala provide expert diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for ingrown toenails and other foot concerns.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. Several factors can contribute to this condition, including trauma to the toenail, trimming the nails too short, rounding the corners when trimming, or wearing narrow shoes that compress the toes.
You might notice signs such as bruising around the nail, drainage of pus or blood, swelling, and tenderness. Early symptoms can often be managed at home by soaking the foot in warm water, gently placing dental floss under the nail to lift it, and switching to open-toed footwear to reduce pressure.
If symptoms worsen or the toenail becomes infected, it’s important to seek help from your podiatrist. Treatment options may include trimming and thinning the toenail, removing the ingrown portion, completely removing the toenail to allow new growth, or laser therapy to reshape the nail and treat surrounding tissue.
Preventing ingrown toenails involves simple but important steps. Always trim your toenails straight across rather than rounding the edges, avoid cutting them too short, and wear shoes that provide enough room in the toe area to prevent crowding.
For expert care in treating and preventing ingrown toenails, contact Dr. John Moore, Dr. Lily Moore, and Dr. Trusha Jariwala at Moore Foot & Ankle Specialists in Asheville, NC. Call (828) 350-1880 to schedule an appointment and keep your feet healthy and pain-free.