Top Rated Harrisburg Foot Doctor Shares Details About Ingrown Toenail Surgery
More adults than you might think, contact our Harrisburg podiatrist office because they suffer with ingrown toenails that cause pain. Generally, it is the big toe that develops this condition. However, most podiatrist would agree that an ingrown toenail could happen to just about any toe on the foot. Ingrown toenails are easy to spot on the foot. They grow into the skin and can cause pain, redness, and swelling. . Often, the ingrown toenail can become infected becoming more painful. Pus may drain from the nail fold. If you develop an infection or you have recurrent pain associated with ingrown nails you should consult with a podiatrist for more information on treatment.
Ingrown Toenail Causes
There are several common causes. For example, athletes playing certain contact sports with their feet, might develop ingrown toenails. Wearing tight shoes or stubbing your toe might cause the toenails to grow into the skin, instead of outside the skin. In addition, cutting the toenails too short or picking and tearing your toenails without a clipper, might lead to ingrown toenails. Ingrown nails can be inherited and many parents who had ingrown nails as a child bring their children in for treatment of ingrown nails. Some younger children can even chew their toenails which is a less common cause of ingrown nails. The fact is that most ingrown toenails cause pain. Some toenails might get infected, leading to more problems. Therefore, it is a good idea to contact a podiatrist for more information and treatment as soon as possible.
Ingrown Toenail Treatments
First, it is vital to make an appointment with a podiatrist. The podiatrist will examine the foot. After diagnosis, the podiatrist will recommend the options that are available to the patient. Of course, much depends on the severity of the condition. For example, a severe case might require ingrown toenail surgery, while a mild case of ingrown toenails might simply require at home treatment or antibiotics. Home treatment involves soak the affected foot in warm soapy water for 5-10 minutes once daily for 5-7 days until the ingrown toenail is easy to remove off the skin or can be trimmed out comfortably. Avoid pushing cotton beneath the nail which can increase your chance of developing and infection. Apply antibiotic cream or ointment with a bandaid when wearing shoes and socks. Wear properly fitting shoes with some room in the toe box. Typically the longest toes should be one thumb with off the front of your shoe.
Other Issues
A more severe ingrown toenail might require ingrown toenail surgery for complete ingrown toenail removal. Contact our Harrisburg podiatrist today for more information or to arrange for a consultation.