What causes ingrown toenails?
An ingrown toenail usually occurs when you trim your toenails too short or even when you round out your toenail edges. Usually, it’s your big toenails that become ingrown, although this painful issue can affect any of your toes.
Improper nail cutting isn’t the only thing to blame when it comes to ingrown toenails. You can also develop ingrown nails due to:
- Having a chronic health condition that leads to water retention, such as diabetes
- Wearing snug or pointy shoes
- Having overly sweaty feet
- Stubbing your toe
- Being overweight
It could also be your inherited nail shape that’s leading to your ingrown toenails. For instance, if you have overly curved nails — known as a “pincer” shape — your toenails may be so curved that they grow into your skin and become ingrown on a regular basis.
What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail often starts out as a slightly reddened and inflamed spot on one or both sides of your toenail. As the infection progresses and your toenail becomes more ingrown, you may begin noticing:
- Sharp or stabbing pains
- Warmth to the touch
- Severe tenderness
- Oozing pus
You may also find that the skin surrounding your nail starts growing over the edges of your nail.
Do I need treatment for an ingrown toenail?
Yes! Without proper treatment, especially if you have an infection, an ingrown toenail can become so painful it starts changing the way you stand and walk (your gait). This can lead to ongoing issues with foot, knee, hip, and even lower back pain. Before your ingrown toenail gets to this point, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Lambarski.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
It just depends on the severity of your ingrown toenail and underlying infection. For minor issues, Dr. Lambarski may recommend placing a splint underneath your nail to encourage it to grow away from your skin.
If you have a more complex ingrown toenail or infection, Dr. Lambarski might suggest a same-day permanent “fix” for your ingrown toenail. He thoroughly numbs your toe and removes the ingrown part of the nail — or the entire toenail in severe cases — and treats the infection directly.
Dr. Lambarski can even prevent future regrowth of a portion or all of your toenail with a chemical or laser solution if you continue suffering from the same ingrown toenail issue. Once Dr. Lambarski treats your current ingrown toenail, he counsels you on preventive measures to keep your toenails growing healthfully.
Book your ingrown toenail evaluation at Northeast Foot Care today. You can conveniently schedule an appointment either online or over the phone.
