Welcome to our patient information blog, where we’ll be delving into the world of ingrown toenails – a common but often misunderstood foot condition. If you’ve ever experienced pain, redness, or swelling around your toenail, you might be dealing with an ingrown toenail. Southside Foot Clinic is here to provide you with essential information on the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment options for ingrown toenails.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails:

Ingrown toenails can develop due to various reasons, such as improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury, or genetics. Understanding the root cause is crucial for effective prevention and management.   Recognizing the early signs of an ingrown toenail is vital. Look out for pain, redness, swelling, and potential infection around the affected toenail. Timely intervention can prevent complications.

Prevention Tips:

Learn the correct way to trim your toenails to minimize the risk of ingrown toenails. Trim straight across and avoid rounding the corners, which can encourage ingrowth.   Choose shoes that provide enough room for your toes and avoid tight or narrow footwear. This helps reduce pressure on your toenails, lowering the chances of ingrowth.  Keeping your feet clean and dry is essential. Regularly washing your feet and drying them thoroughly can prevent fungal infections that may contribute to ingrown toenails.

Treatment Options:

Soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salts can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with ingrown toenails. This can be done several times a day.   Opt for open-toed shoes or sandals to relieve pressure on the affected toenail. This can promote faster healing and prevent further irritation.   Gently lifting the ingrown edge of the toenail using sterile tools can sometimes provide relief. However, this should be done cautiously to avoid infection.

When to Seek Professional Help:

If your symptoms persist, worsen, or appear to be infected it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess the severity of the condition and recommend appropriate treatment. Individuals with diabetes, circulation problems, or immune disorders should seek prompt medical attention for ingrown toenails, as these conditions can complicate the healing process.

At Southside Foot Clinic we strive to get patients in the office quickly, often with same-day appointments.   We can often eliminate the problem in the same-day visit!