At Affiliates in Podiatry in Meredith and Concord, NH, patients often come in seeking relief from the discomfort of ingrown toenails. What starts as mild tenderness along the side of the toe can quickly become more painful and disruptive. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to infection, chronic swelling, and difficulty walking. Fortunately, prompt care from an experienced podiatrist can resolve the issue and help prevent it from returning.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails are caused by the nail edge piercing the skin around it. This may be due to improper cutting, pressure from shoes, trauma, or genetic nail shape. The most common victim is the great toe, but any toenail can become ingrown if the circumstances are right.

Symptoms usually involve pain along the nail border, redness, swelling, and drainage or infection signs in later stages. If such symptoms persist or worsen, it's time to get treated. Concord and Meredith, NH, residents should not wait for the condition to become severe before they visit a podiatrist.

How a Podiatrist Can Help

At Affiliates in Podiatry, treatment for ingrown toenails starts with a thorough exam of the infected toe and tissue. In milder cases, non-surgical options like carefully lifting the toenail edge and inserting a tiny splint under it can take pressure off the area and enable the nail to grow out normally. When infection is present, a short course of antibiotics can be prescribed.

For more severe or repeat cases, partial toenail removal may be recommended. This procedure, done in the doctor's office, involves numbing the toe and removing the offending portion of the nail. In some cases, the nail's root is also addressed to prevent regrowth in the offending area in the future. Most patients heal quickly and feel better shortly after surgery.

Your podiatrist will also advise you on how to trim nails correctly, choose proper footwear, and reduce the risk of recurrence.

If you are dealing with painful or persistent ingrown toenails, contact Affiliates in Podiatry in Meredith or Concord, NH, today. Prompt treatment can prevent infection and restore your comfort. Call (603) 279-0330 for the Meredith office or (603) 225-5281 for the Concord location to schedule your visit.