Here’s what to do the next time you deal with an ingrown toenail.

Is this the first time you’re dealing with an ingrown toenail? Wondering if you actually have one or if there is something else going on? Our Carmel, Noblesville, Fishers, Plainfield, and Indianapolis, IN, podiatrists certainly treat their fair share of ingrown toenails. If you have an ingrown toenail, it’s essential to know how to best handle it.

How Do I Know That I Have an Ingrown Toenail?

As you might imagine, an ingrown toenail is often painful. Along with pain around the toenail, you may also notice redness, swelling and tenderness, especially on the side of the toenail. Sometimes the skin around the nail can become hard. If you aren’t quite sure you’re dealing with an ingrown toenail, you can always turn to our Indianapolis, IN, team for an evaluation.

Can I Treat an Ingrown Toenail Myself?

So, you have an ingrown toenail, and now you’re wondering if this is something you can treat yourself. If you are otherwise healthy, you’ll be happy to hear that most ingrown toenails can be treated with home care. Here are some things you can do to ease your symptoms,

• Soak feet in warm water for about 15-20 minutes at a time several times a day (add Epsom salts for additional swelling and pain relief)
• Wear open-toed shoes or shoes with a wide toe box that won’t put added pressure on the nail (if you can wiggle your toes, then your shoes fit just right)
• Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as Tylenol, which can temporarily ease pain and discomfort
• Carefully place a piece of cotton under the edge of the nail to help it grow away from the skin

When Should My Ingrown Toenail Go Away?

With the proper care, most ingrown toenails will resolve within a couple of days.

When Do I Need To See a Podiatrist?

If your ingrown toenail doesn’t improve within three days, calling our Carmel, Noblesville, Fishers, Plainfield, and Indianapolis, IN, podiatrists for medical intervention is a good idea. You should also turn to our team for treatment if,

• You notice pus or fluid draining from the toenail
• You develop throbbing pain in the toe
• Pain and swelling are getting worse and aren’t responding to home care
• You have an underlying condition such as diabetes or nerve damage in your feet
• You develop a fever or signs of an infection

How Will a Podiatrist Treat an Ingrown Toenail?

While we can provide you with lifestyle modifications and home care options to try if the ingrown toenail becomes a recurring or severe problem, our team may recommend removing part or all of the affected toenail. This simple procedure can be performed here in our clinic under local anesthesia.

Are you dealing with an ingrown toenail that could use our help? If so, Podiatry Associates of Indiana is the leading podiatry team in Carmel, Noblesville, Fishers, Plainfield, and Indianapolis, IN, providing treatment for everything from ingrown toenails to diabetic wounds. Call us at (866) 344-FEET to schedule an appointment.