How to Avoid Ingrown Toenails and Stay Comfortable

An ingrown toenail can be so painful that it can feel almost unbearable. When you seek ingrown toenail treatment, you want to help fast! But what is the best way to go about treating an ingrown toenail? Do you need to get a doctor involved? Is it okay to treat an ingrown toenail at home? There are home remedies for ingrown toenails, but what will be most effective? Will an ingrown toenail always come back? You have questions, and the experts at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists are here to advise you on how to handle ingrown toenails, what to do, what not to do, and how to maintain healthy feet.

What are Ingrown Toenails?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the toenail grows into the skin of the toe at the corner of the nail. It can happen when toenails are trimmed and tapered on the side. An ingrown toenail can cause significant pain, swelling, redness, and irritation. Some ingrown toenails can even lead to infection. An ingrown toenail that develops an infection may require the attention of a doctor.

Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be caused by several factors. Some of these causes include:

• Improper Nail Trimming
  Cutting the toenail at the corner in a tapered way can cause the toenail to regrow into the side of the toe.
• Tight or Ill-Fitting Footwear

Wearing tight shoes can cause ingrown toenails. Choosing the proper footwear is essential in avoiding ingrown toenails. Tight shoes put pressure on the corners of the toes and push the skin in the direction of the nail. This can create a real problem for people who are prone to ingrown toenails.

• Trauma or Injury
  Sometimes, injuries can cause ingrown toenails. A cut or bruise to the corner of the toe can push the toenail into the skin and cause issues. Sometimes, an ingrown toenail can develop if the toe has been stepped on.
• Genetics
  Genetics is a major predictor of ingrown toenails. Some individuals may never develop an ingrown toenail because of the way their toes are shaped. Unfortunately, other individuals may repeatedly develop ingrown toenails because of the way their toes are shaped.
• Excessive Sweating and Fungal Infections
  Fungal infections can change or alter the shape of the toenail. This can lead to ingrown toenails. Excessive sweating can then exacerbate the problem by leading to infection.

Tips to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

If you are an individual who is likely to develop an ingrown toenail, you will want to do your best to prevent this from happening. Here are some tips to help you prevent ingrown toenails.

• Proper Nail Care
  Trim the toenail sensibly. Try to avoid cutting your toenail too short and cut the nail straight across. Cutting at a taper or an angle will put you at risk for an ingrown. Always use tools that are designed for the care of toenails and make sure that they have been cleaned and sanitized correctly.
• Wear Proper Footwear
  Try to avoid shoes that squeeze the toe. High heels should be avoided. Make sure that your toe has enough room to move around inside the shoe. If you participate in a sport, make sure to wear shoes that are specific to that sport.
• Protecting the Toenail from Injury
  It’s not always possible to avoid injury to the toe, but try to avoid it if possible. If your foot does happen to be injured, clean and care for the injured area so that an infection can be avoided.
• Maintaining Foot Hygiene
  Keep your feet clean and moisturized. Wash your feet once to twice a day, and make sure to dry them thoroughly.
• Use of Orthotic Inserts
  Orthotic inserts can be used to make sure that your foot is supported correctly. With the help of orthotics, it’s possible to take the pressure off the toe and avoid an ingrown toenail.
• Avoiding Self-Diagnosis or Self-Care
  Treating the foot at home can be a dangerous game. It’s tempting to want to treat an ingrown toenail in the privacy of your bathroom, but it’s best to avoid this practice and have the ingrown toenail treated by a professional. This applies to serious or infected ingrown toenails. Mild cases can be treated at home. However, cutting the ingrown toenails at home is discouraged.

Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails

There are several ways to treat an ingrown toenail.

• Soak the foot in Epsom salts and warm water.
• Place a piece of cotton under the nail to encourage the nail to grow properly.
• Use pain relievers.
• Apply antibiotic ointment in case of irritation or infection.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you have developed an ingrown toenail that has become infected or irritated, it may be time to see a healthcare provider. A doctor can help diagnose the issue and help you cut the nail so that it grows back normally. Other circumstances that would indicate that you need to see a doctor include diabetes, poor circulation, and nerve damage.

Conclusion

When it’s time to treat your ingrown toenail, it’s essential to treat it properly. The home remedies listed here may help, but if the condition persists, you may need to seek medical care. A certified foot care doctor can help you treat your ingrown toenail effectively. In some rare cases, minor surgery may need to be performed to remove the excess skin around the toenail. A healthcare provider can also help you prevent future ingrown toenails.

Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists

In the Greater Houston, Texas, area, finding the right foot and ankle doctor is as simple as contacting Dr. Brian Lee and his team at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists. We will help you maintain your feet so that they remain healthy and strong. With in-house X-ray and state-of-the-art equipment such as ultrasound, shockwave, and laser technology, we are the leaders in our industry. Here at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists, we have all the answers for you about ingrown toenails. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us or visit our website.