Ingrown toenails are a common and often painful condition that occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to discomfort, redness, and sometimes infection. While they may seem like a minor issue, ingrown toenails can significantly impact your quality of life if left untreated. At Idaho Foot & Ankle Center, with locations in Idaho Falls and Rexburg, our expert podiatrists, Dr. Kylin Kovac, DPM, FACFAS, and Dr. Jed Erickson, DPM, are here to provide effective treatment and relief for ingrown toenails, ensuring your feet stay healthy and pain-free.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails can develop for various reasons, and understanding the causes is key to preventing them. Some common causes include:
- Improper Toenail Trimming: Cutting your toenails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
- Tight or Ill-Fitting Shoes: Shoes that crowd your toes can push the toenail into the skin, increasing the risk of an ingrown toenail.
- Injury: Stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it can cause the nail to grow abnormally, leading to an ingrown toenail.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to ingrown toenails due to the natural shape or thickness of their nails.
- Poor Foot Hygiene: Keeping your feet clean and dry is essential, as moisture can soften the skin and make it easier for the nail to penetrate.
Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails typically develop gradually, starting with mild discomfort that can intensify if left untreated. You may initially notice pain or tenderness along the side of the affected toenail. As the condition worsens, the surrounding skin often becomes red and swollen. In more severe cases, infection may develop, leading to increased pain, the presence of pus, and a foul odor. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking timely treatment is essential to prevent further complications.
Treatment Options at Idaho Foot & Ankle Center
At Idaho Foot & Ankle Center, our skilled podiatrists, Dr. Kovac and Dr. Erickson, offer a range of effective treatments for ingrown toenails, tailored to your specific needs. Here’s how we can help:
- Conservative Care
For mild cases, conservative treatment may be all that’s needed. This can include:
- Soaking: We may recommend soaking your foot in warm water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Proper Toenail Trimming: Our podiatrists can safely trim the toenail to prevent it from growing into the skin.
- Antibiotics: If there is an infection, a course of oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Nail Avulsion (Partial or Complete Removal)
For more severe or recurring cases, a partial or complete nail avulsion may be necessary. This procedure involves:
- Partial Nail Removal: Removing only the part of the nail that is ingrown, which can provide immediate relief and prevent the nail from growing into the skin again.
- Complete Nail Removal: In some cases, removing the entire nail may be recommended, especially if the ingrown toenail is recurrent or causing significant discomfort.
- Matrixectomy
If ingrown toenails are a chronic issue, a matrixectomy might be recommended. This procedure involves removing a portion of the nail matrix (the tissue that produces the nail) to prevent that part of the nail from growing back. This is often a permanent solution to recurring ingrown toenails.
Prevention Tips
While treatment is effective, prevention is always the best approach. Here are some tips to help you avoid ingrown toenails:
- Trim Toenails Properly: Always cut your toenails straight across and avoid rounding the corners. Keep them at a moderate length, not too short.
- Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that provide enough room for your toes to move freely. Avoid shoes that are too tight or narrow.
- Maintain Good Foot Hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry, and regularly check your toenails for any signs of ingrowth.
- Protect Your Feet: Be mindful of foot injuries, and if you’re prone to ingrown toenails, consider wearing protective footwear.
Why Choose Idaho Foot & Ankle Center?
At Idaho Foot & Ankle Center, we understand the discomfort and inconvenience that ingrown toenails can cause. With our experienced team of podiatrists and state-of-the-art facilities in Idaho Falls and Rexburg, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality care. Whether you need conservative treatment or a more advanced procedure, Dr. Kovac and Dr. Erickson will work with you to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ingrown Toenails
What causes ingrown toenails to keep coming back?
Recurring ingrown toenails are often the result of improper toenail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or having a genetic predisposition, such as naturally curved or thick toenails. If the problem persists, a matrixectomy—a procedure to remove part of the nail matrix—may be necessary to prevent future occurrences.
Can I treat an ingrown toenail at home?
For mild cases, home remedies like soaking your foot in warm water, applying antibiotic ointment, and keeping the area clean may provide relief. However, if the pain worsens, or if you notice signs of infection, it’s crucial to seek professional care to avoid complications.
How can I prevent ingrown toenails?
To prevent ingrown toenails, be sure to trim your toenails straight across without rounding the edges, wear comfortable shoes that provide enough room for your toes, and maintain proper foot hygiene by keeping your feet clean and dry.
When should I see a doctor for an ingrown toenail?
You should see a doctor if your symptoms persist despite home treatment, if the toenail becomes infected (showing signs like pus or a foul odor), or if you have underlying health conditions like diabetes, which can increase the risk of complications.
Is removing the toenail painful?
Toenail removal, whether partial or complete, is performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Most patients feel pressure but not pain during the procedure, and post-treatment pain can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Feet
Ingrown toenails may be common, but they don’t have to be a persistent problem. With the right care and treatment, you can alleviate pain and prevent future occurrences. At Idaho Foot & Ankle Center, we offer personalized solutions to ensure long-lasting relief and help you maintain healthy feet. If you’re dealing with an ingrown toenail, don’t wait for it to worsen—schedule an appointment with our expert team today. Our podiatrists, Dr. Kylin Kovac, DPM, FACFAS, and Dr. Jed Erickson, DPM, are here to provide the care you need to get back on your feet, pain-free and ready to live your life without discomfort. Whether you require conservative treatment or more advanced procedures, we are committed to delivering the best possible outcome.
Disclaimer:
This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or podiatrist for personalized recommendations and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
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