Ingrown toenails may be more common than you think. About 40 million Americans have experienced searing pain, redness, and swelling from onychocryptosis.
If you suspect you’re suffering from an ingrown toenail, you may ask:
- What are the causes?
- What are the possible treatments?
- When should I seek help?
If you’ve found yourself asking any of the questions above, keep reading to find out what your next steps should be.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails occur when your nail begins to grow into the toe. Left untreated, it can quickly escalate into an infection.
The causes vary; no two feet are the same. Many people may not even realize what contributed to their ingrown nail.
Some popular causes are:
- Ill-fitting or tight shoes
- Cutting your toenails too short
- Injuring your toenail
- Cutting toenails in a curve instead of straight across
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of ingrown toenails vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms are:
- Red discoloration along with swelling
- Pain around sides of the nail
- Infected tissue around the nail
It’s time to pay the doctors at Canyon Oaks Foot and Ankle a visit if:
- You notice severe pain and pus in your toe that spreads over time
- You have a fever or chills
If you suffer from a health complication like diabetes, an ingrown toenail is even more prone to infection. Give us a call immediately if you begin to suspect an infection.
Treatments for Ingrown Toenails
Our doctors will check your toe to determine the severity of the ingrown toenail. From there, they will determine the best course of action. If an infection is present in the toenail, antibiotics may be administered to stop the infection and prevent it from spreading.
The most common treatment for an ingrown toenail is to remove part of the embedded nail. In extreme cases, the entire nail may have to be removed.
If the nail has to be removed, your doctor will administer a numbing injection to perform the surgery. After this, they bandage the toe and send you on your way. Be sure to keep your foot elevated following the surgery and wear open-toed shoes to allow it to heal properly.
Visit our Fresno Office Today
If you’ve been suffering from a painful ingrown toenail, don’t hesitate to contact Canyon Oaks Foot and Ankle. Call and make an appointment today to come into our office. Our doctors would love to meet you and create a plan for healthy feet.
