If you’ve ever had an ingrown toenail, you already know how it can impact your life. It may be difficult to put on shoes, stand, and walk. Occasional ingrown toenails are bothersome, but if you are getting ingrown toenails frequently, it’s time to visit your podiatrist for some help.

The podiatrists at Podiatry Associates of Indiana provide comprehensive foot and ankle services, including treatment of ingrown toenails. They have several convenient office locations in Carmel, Noblesville, Fishers, Plainfield, and Indianapolis, IN.

First, let’s look at how you can prevent ingrown toenails. Remember to always:

• Cut your toenails straight across
• Avoid rounding the corners of your toenails
• Avoid cutting your toenails too short
• Wear shoes with plenty of room for your toes

When you have an ingrown toenail, you will:

• Notice swelling around the toenail
• Have skin that is red or purple around the toenail
• Feel pain and pressure around and underneath the toenail

For mild, occasional ingrown toenails, you can try a few simple home remedies like these:

• Soaking your toes in warm water several times each day
• Placing dental floss under your toenail to move the toenail up from the skin
• Applying antibiotic cream and bandages to your toenail
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medications

If you are getting ingrown toenails frequently, your podiatrist can help with several effective treatment options including:

• Lifting and separating your toenail from your skin
• Trimming the ingrown section of your toenail
• Laser therapy to remove part or all of your toenail so a healthy new toenail can grow

To learn more about how to prevent ingrown toenails, and how your podiatrist can help you get relief from ingrown toenails, call the podiatrists at Podiatry Associates of Indiana. You can reach them in any of their offices in Carmel, Noblesville, Fishers, Plainfield, and Indianapolis, IN, by calling (866) 344-FEET, so call today.