Ways to Prevent Ingrown Toenails and When to Seek Help

Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition. Many things can cause an ingrown toenail to develop, including an injury, wearing tight shoes, and badly cut toenails. Our team of podiatrists at Podiatry Associates of Indiana in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, and Plainfield, IN offers treatments for ingrown toenails. Read on to find out how to prevent ingrown toenails and when to seek help.

Ingrown Toenails Overview

Anyone can develop an ingrown toenail. An ingrown nail is caused by the pressure from the ingrowth of the toenail edge into the skin of the toe. The result is swelling, pain, and redness. The condition usually affects the big toes. If an ingrown toenail causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area, which is often marked by a foul odor and drainage.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails

Many cases of ingrown nails may be prevented by proper trimming. Here are tips to prevent ingrown toenails:

• Cut your toenails in a straight line, and don’t cut them too short. Short toenails are more prone to becoming ingrown.
• Using a nail file to give your nails a slight curve.
• Wear well-fitted shoes and socks.
• If you enjoy getting pedicures, make sure to go to an experienced professional. A pedicure can cause an ingrown toenail if the pedicurist is overly aggressive in cutting back a toenail.

When to Visit a Podiatrist

You should see your Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, and Plainfield, IN, podiatrists immediately if your ingrown toenail is causing you pain or you think you may have an infection. Also, if a short trial of at-home treatment has not resulted in improvement of the condition, see your podiatrist. If you have poor circulation or diabetes, you should seek immediate treatment at the first signs of an ingrown toenail, as it can lead to severe complications.

Treatment for Ingrown Toenails

Conservative treatments include elevation, saltwater soaks, proper nail cutting, and good foot hygiene. If your toenail is infected, your podiatrist will prescribe an oral or topical medication to treat the infection. If you have chronic pain or the infection returns, your podiatrist can perform a procedure to remove the ingrown toenail. Surgical nail removal can be done in your doctor's office.

What's Next?

When you have an ingrown toenail, your feet need a little TLC. Call Podiatry Associates of Indiana at 866-344-FEETtoday to schedule an appointment in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, and Plainfield, IN.