Ingrown toenails are more than just a nuisance—they can be incredibly painful and, if left untreated, can lead to serious infections. At Bellagio Foot and Ankle, we specialize in treating and preventing this common issue to keep your feet healthy and pain-free. Here’s everything you need to know about managing and conquering ingrown toenails.
What Are Ingrown Toenails?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, and pain. It most commonly affects the big toe but can occur on any toe.
Common Causes
Understanding what causes ingrown toenails can help you prevent them. Here are some of the most common culprits:
- Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges can encourage nails to grow into the skin.
- Tight Footwear: Shoes that are too tight or narrow can put pressure on your toes, leading to ingrown nails.
- Injury: Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing or dropping something heavy on it, can cause the nail to grow improperly.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to ingrown toenails due to inherited nail shape or structure.
Prevention Tips
Preventing ingrown toenails is often a matter of proper foot care and attention. Here’s how you can avoid this painful condition:
- Trim Nails Correctly: Always cut your toenails straight across and avoid rounding the corners. Use clean, sharp nail clippers.
- Choose the Right Footwear: Wear shoes that fit well and provide ample room for your toes. Avoid tight, narrow shoes that compress your toes.
- Protect Your Feet: Be cautious to avoid injuries by wearing protective footwear if you’re in a situation where your toes might be at risk.
- Maintain Foot Hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry, and change your socks regularly to prevent infections.
Treatment Options
If you develop an ingrown toenail, there are several ways to treat it, ranging from home remedies to professional medical treatments:
- Soak Your Feet: Soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salts for 15-20 minutes, several times a day, to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Apply Antibiotic Cream: Use over-the-counter antibiotic cream to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Switch to open-toed or loose-fitting shoes to alleviate pressure on the affected toe.
- See a Podiatrist: If your ingrown toenail is severe, persistent, or infected, it’s crucial to seek professional help. A podiatrist can perform procedures to remove part or all of the ingrown nail and prescribe antibiotics if needed.
When to Seek Professional Help
Don’t hesitate to consult a podiatrist if you experience any of the following:
- Severe pain or discomfort
- Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus
- Recurrent ingrown toenails
- Diabetes or other conditions that affect foot health
Book Your Appointment Today!
At Bellagio Foot and Ankle, we are dedicated to providing expert care for all your foot and ankle needs, including the treatment and prevention of ingrown toenails. Don’t suffer in silence—take action today to protect your feet and enjoy pain-free living. Call us at +1 480-717-5011 to schedule an appointment with our experienced podiatrists. Let us help you step into comfort and health!
Schedule a Consultation
Fill out the form below to schedule an appointment. We do our best to contact you within 24-48 hours. Thank you!
Ingrown toenails are more than just a nuisance—they can be incredibly painful and, if left untreated, can lead to serious infections. At Bellagio Foot and Ankle, we specialize in treating and preventing this common issue to keep your feet healthy and pain-free. Here’s everything you need to know about managing and conquering ingrown toenails.
What Are Ingrown Toenails?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, and pain. It most commonly affects the big toe but can occur on any toe.
Common Causes
Understanding what causes ingrown toenails can help you prevent them. Here are some of the most common culprits:
- Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges can encourage nails to grow into the skin.
- Tight Footwear: Shoes that are too tight or narrow can put pressure on your toes, leading to ingrown nails.
- Injury: Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing or dropping something heavy on it, can cause the nail to grow improperly.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to ingrown toenails due to inherited nail shape or structure.
Prevention Tips
Preventing ingrown toenails is often a matter of proper foot care and attention. Here’s how you can avoid this painful condition:
- Trim Nails Correctly: Always cut your toenails straight across and avoid rounding the corners. Use clean, sharp nail clippers.
- Choose the Right Footwear: Wear shoes that fit well and provide ample room for your toes. Avoid tight, narrow shoes that compress your toes.
- Protect Your Feet: Be cautious to avoid injuries by wearing protective footwear if you’re in a situation where your toes might be at risk.
- Maintain Foot Hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry, and change your socks regularly to prevent infections.
Treatment Options
If you develop an ingrown toenail, there are several ways to treat it, ranging from home remedies to professional medical treatments:
- Soak Your Feet: Soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salts for 15-20 minutes, several times a day, to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Apply Antibiotic Cream: Use over-the-counter antibiotic cream to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Switch to open-toed or loose-fitting shoes to alleviate pressure on the affected toe.
- See a Podiatrist: If your ingrown toenail is severe, persistent, or infected, it’s crucial to seek professional help. A podiatrist can perform procedures to remove part or all of the ingrown nail and prescribe antibiotics if needed.
When to Seek Professional Help
Don’t hesitate to consult a podiatrist if you experience any of the following:
- Severe pain or discomfort
- Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus
- Recurrent ingrown toenails
- Diabetes or other conditions that affect foot health
Book Your Appointment Today!
At Bellagio Foot and Ankle, we are dedicated to providing expert care for all your foot and ankle needs, including the treatment and prevention of ingrown toenails. Don’t suffer in silence—take action today to protect your feet and enjoy pain-free living. Call us at +1 480-717-5011 to schedule an appointment with our experienced podiatrists. Let us help you step into comfort and health!