Ingrown toenails can be an annoying and potentially painful affliction of the foot. This condition occurs when the side of a toenail essentially grows into the skin of the toe. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be needed to resolve the issue. For example, a surgical procedure might involve removing a part or all of the nail. Sometimes, before a surgical procedure of this kind, you might need to receive local anesthesia to numb the affected toe. Additionally, the procedure may take about an hour in time. Following the operation, your toe might need to be protected with some sort of bandage. The medical professional performing the procedure might then give you instructions on caring for your toe following the operation. If you have a persistent or infected ingrown toenail, contact a podiatrist today for help.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein of Union Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.