Pain around your toe might be a result of an ingrown toenail. This is a condition that can occasionally be treated at home. But if the pain persists and becomes unbearable or you discover an infection, you may need to seek treatment. If you notice any signs of an ingrown toenail problem such as abscess, swelling, redness, or irritation, you should immediately go see a podiatrist. If you wait too long to treat your ingrown toenail condition, you increase the risk of developing an infection that may eventually require serious interventions.
Major Causes of Ingrown Toenail There are a couple of possible causes of an ingrown toenail. The change in the form of your toenail can make the ridge that holds your toe lose connection, which can cause your nail to grow in the wrong direction into your skin. The loss of the toenail, recurring pressure for certain sports, psoriasis, or fungal infection may be to blame for the ingrown toenail. Curved or thick toenails are particularly susceptible. Plus, some people have the inherited tendency to develop toenail problems. You can also develop an ingrown toenail problem when you wear shoes that are too narrow, tight, or short – women’s high heels are a major source of this problem. Even those that don’t have an ingrown toenail problem now may eventually develop one. When to Visit a Podiatrist If an ingrown toenail is left unattended, it can become infected and worsen. Not only does this create extreme swelling and pain, but it can also lead to severe complications, which include gangrene and bone infection. It is time to schedule an appointment when you have repeated toenails or home remedies that don’t work. Moreover, if you have diabetes or a health condition that causes poor blood circulation in your leg and feet, you may need to visit a podiatrist immediately. Else, you will have a greater risk of an ingrown toenail to lead to a serious medical problem. How Podiatrists Treats Ingrown Toenail At first, your podiatrist will examine your ingrown toenail and discuss with you your overall health care. Then, he or she will create a treatment plan to carefully separate your nail from the skin. This separation will help your nail grow above the skin and not into it. However, in more severe conditions, your podiatrists may need to remove your toenail. In some cases, your podiatrist may numb the affected area using an anesthetic so as to remove the nail and/or part of the skin that contributes to the problem. If you have an infection, you may need to use an antibiotic. If you are prone to ingrown toenails, your podiatrists will suggest preventive methods to reduce or prevent ingrown toenails in the long term. How Can We Help? If you know it is finally time to see a podiatrist for your ingrown toenail, trust the experts at Movement 101. Our experienced and licensed podiatrists can effectively treat your ingrown toenail condition and get you back up in no time. Learn more about how our Podiatrists can help you. Movement 101 Botany, Marrickville, Waterloo & Wolli Creek Comments are closed.
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
April 2024
Categories |