Around this time of year, we often see patients complaining of toe pain in our office. Transitioning from sandals to closed shoes can pinch toes and cause an ingrown toenail. Ingrown nails can be very painful.
This condition occurs when the toenail is not trimmed correctly. If the nail is not cut straight across and the corners are rounded, they will cut into the skin and tissue of the toe. Ingrown toenails may also be caused by trauma, such as dropping a heavy object on your foot. The area will look red and swollen and will be tender. You may even see signs of an infection.
Treating an Ingrown Toenail
If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, please see us immediately – especially if it looks infected.
Before your appointment, soothe your toe by soaking in warm, salty, or soapy water. Dry carefully, and apply an antibiotic ointment and bandage for protection.
For complete healing, we will perform a simple surgery right in our office to remove the portion of the nail that has grown into the toe. We apply medicine to the nail root to prevent that portion from growing back and becoming a problem again. Oral medication will clear up any infection.
How To Prevent Ingrown Toenails
- Wear well-fitting shoes with lots of wiggle room in the toe box. Don’t put excessive pressure on the nails by wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow.
- For an at-home pedicure, cut the nails straight across. Never round the corners.
- For work or leisure activities, always wear the proper protective footwear.
Patients with diabetes must always take extra care of their toes and feet. Check your feet and toenails daily, and contact us quickly if you notice any damage. When you have diabetes, even a minor problem like an ingrown toenail can quickly escalate into a serious problem like an ulcer.
If you have problems trimming your nails, just let us know – we are here to help!
Here at Georgia Podiatry, we believe in providing our clients with optimal foot, ankle, and leg care. Dr. Evan Brody, Dr. Harshil Patel, Dr. Erin Cupolo, and the rest of the staff at our Kennesaw and Austell locations are ready and eager to help treat your feet. Call us at 678-310-0540 to make an appointment today.