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Dealing With an Ingrown Toenail?

Dealing With an Ingrown Toenail?

Do you frequently develop ingrown toenails? Ingrown toenail treatment offered by the podiatrists at Podiatry Associates of Indiana in Carmel, Noblesville, Avon, Plainfield, or Indianapolis, IN, will relieve your pain.

Why ingrown toenails happen

The edge of your toenail may be more likely to grow into the skin if:

  • You round the edges of the nails when cutting them: Rounding makes it easier for the nails to pierce the skin. Cutting your nails straight across will help prevent future ingrown nails.
  • You wear tight shoes or socks: Pressure against your toes may drive the nails into the skin.
  • Your feet are sweaty: It's much easier for nails to become ingrown when your skin is moist and soft. Washing and drying your feet throughout the day and changing into a dry pair of socks can be helpful.
  • Your nails curve: Your risk of ingrown toenails increases if your toenails naturally curve downward.
  • You have toenail fungus: Fungus thickens your nails, making it more likely that they'll become ingrown.

Is it time to see the podiatrist?

It may be possible to loosen your toenail if you soak your foot in warm water for 10 or 15 minutes, then gently lift the edge of the nail off the skin with dental floss or a small piece of cotton. Don't try this if you have diabetes. Call the podiatry office instead.

If you can't free your nail at home, it's a good idea to visit your Carmel, Noblesville, Avon, Plainfield, or Indianapolis, IN, foot doctors. Your podiatrist can remove the trapped part of your nail after applying a local anesthetic. If you frequently develop ingrown toenails, removing the nail may be the best option.

Call the foot doctors right away if you notice signs of infection, which may include redness and warmth, hardening of the skin, pus, or red streaks on your toe. Your infected toe may be extremely painful when you wear shoes or press on it.

Is your ingrown toenail making you miserable? Schedule an appointment with your Carmel, Noblesville, Avon, Plainfield, or Indianapolis, IN, podiatrists at Podiatry Associates of Indiana by calling one of these numbers:

  • 317-217-2022 (IU Health West)
  • 317-856-8866  (Plainfield)
  • 317-888-0560 (Greenwood)
  • 317-452-8717 (East Washington)
  • 317-924-4797 (Downtown)
  • 317 564-0958 (North Carmel)
  • 317-621-3338 (Community North)
  • 317-537-8200 (Fishers/Saxony)
  • 317-776-0077 (Noblesville)
  • 317-297-0661 ( Northwest)

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