Ingrown toenails are one of the most common reasons to see a podiatrist for treatment. At Healthy Step Podiatry in Midtown East and the Financial District of New York City, you can get fast, effective treatment for your ingrown toenail. The expert team, including Vito La Puma, DPM, can clear up your ingrown toenail without the risk of infection or excessive bleeding and can provide lasting results. Schedule a visit today through the online booking system or by calling the office.
What are the signs of an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the skin surrounding your nail and can cause:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Feeling of warmth in the toe
- Possible drainage and foul odor, if infected
Infection can be a dangerous consequence of an ingrown toenail, even if you show no other signs of discomfort or visible changes to your toe.
What causes ingrown toenails?
The main causes of ingrown toenails include:
- Heredity
- Trauma
- Improper trimming, especially if you cut your nails too short or you round the corners of your nail
- Improperly sized footwear
- Nail conditions, including nail fungus or losing a nail due to trauma
In most cases, proper foot and nail care can help you avoid getting an ingrown toenail.
How can I care for an ingrown toenail at home?
For simple ingrown toenails that aren’t infected, you can perform basic nail care at home. The primary focus of at-home care is to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with an ingrown toenail until it resolves on its own.
You can soak your foot in lukewarm water and gently massage the affected skin around your nail to soften the skin and reduce inflammation. Avoid trying to cut your nail or skin, as this can lead to infection and further damage to your toe.
When should I get medical care for an ingrown toenail?
You should seek care at Healthy Step Podiatry if your ingrown toenail becomes infected or you have certain medical conditions that affect your feet, including diabetes, nerve damage, and poor circulation. Different office treatments can be used to remove the ingrown toenail and help your toe to heal.
These treatments may involve injecting an anesthetic solution into your toe to avoid discomfort while your doctor removes the embedded nail. Additional procedures may be performed to prevent regrowth of the nail in the same place. Some of these solutions can permanently prevent future ingrown toenails and may be recommended if it’s a recurrent issue for you.
How can I prevent ingrown toenails?
If you have issues with recurrent ingrown toenails, the team may demonstrate appropriate ways to trim your nails in order to avoid them. Generally, you should cut your nails fairly straight across and avoid cutting them too short.
For effective relief from ingrown toenails without risky at-home treatments, see the team at Healthy Step Podiatry. Schedule your visit now by booking online or calling the office.