Ingrown Toenails

Is one of your toenails causing you pain? Have you noticed that part of your nail is beginning to pierce the skin, maybe some redness in the area? While it is common to ignore minor problems like this, you may have an ingrown toenail that could potentially become infected. It is important to see your Chiropodist as self treatment can make the issue worse in the long run.

What are Ingrown Toenails?

An ingrown toenail occurs when part of the nail grows inwards and pierces the skin of the toe. Some people will feel pain when walking while others have a constant throbbing pain. Most often, ingrown nails occur on the big toe. However, this condition can happen to any toe on your feet and hands for that matter. The toe is typically red and tender to touch in the area. There may also be some bleeding, red tissue growth or pus present.

It is common to mix up a convoluted or curling toenail with an ingrown one. However, they are all very different from a treatment point of view.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

There are many factors that can increase your risk of developing an ingrown toenail. For example, if you do not cut your nails properly, this can lead to them growing inwards and piercing the skin. In addition, they can be caused by the way you stand and walk, as well as a foot deformity. Even shoes and socks that are too tight can push the toenails into the skin. Unfortunately, some people’s natural anatomy make them more susceptible to ingrowing nails.

Anyone can suffer from ingrown toenails at any age. But there are some groups of society where it is most common. For example, this includes teenagers, the elderly and athletes. In addition, if you have a pincer nail or fungal nail deformity, you may be more likely to develop ingrown toenails.

What are the Signs of Ingrown Toenails?

Often, you will know when you have an ingrown toenail. But the severity of these symptoms will depend on the length of time you have had this problem. Some early signs that you have an ingrown toenail include redness and swelling, as well as your toe feeling hot. There can be some mild discomfort when pressure is applied to the toe.

When the ingrown toenail continues to develop, you are going to experience more pain. This could affect your walking. In addition, there can be some bleeding and more swelling. If you do not consult your Chiropodist l about this problem, it can lead to infection.

What are the Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails?

If you are experiencing symptoms of an ingrown toenail, the best place to go is a chiropodist. With their expertise and years of experience, they will be able to diagnose whether it is an ingrown toenail and give you the best treatment to get the ingrown toe nail resolved. Often, the spike can be removed and this will solve the problem right away.

If the ingrown toenail has become infected, this might require antibiotics, your Chiropodist may prescribe an oral or topical antibiotic. In very severe cases of ingrown toenails, a minor surgery may be required. A small piece of the nail edge would be removed and this will to stop the problem all together. The success with this surgery is very high. People often say “why didn’t I do this sooner!”

What is an Ingrown Toenail?

Do you experience a lot of toenail discomfort when you are exercising? Is the nail on your toes starting to cut into your skin? These are both signs that you may have an ingrown toenail. While it can start out as an inconvenience, if you do not visit a chiropodist, this condition can worsen.

Essentially, an ingrown toenail develops when a part of your nail, often referred to as a spike, grows inwards into the skin. Indeed, the spike pierces the skin and this is why it can be uncomfortable. It is common for ingrown toenails to appear on the big toe.

What is the Cause of an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail can happen to anyone. But there are a few factors that are going to increase your risk of getting one. For instance, if you aref not cutting your nails properly, they may start to grow towards the skin. In addition, tight footwear can be a culprit for ingrown toenails, as well as the way that you stand and how you walk.

What is the best way to Treat an Ingrown Toenail?

If you suspect that you have ingrown toenails, it is recommended that you visit the chiropodist. They can use their experience to identify whether this is the problem you are experiencing. They will also be able to recommend the best treatment option for you. A lot of the time, symptoms can be relieved from removing the spike. If you have painful ingrown toenails, antiseptic and anaesthetics can be used.

Some people experience an infected ingrown toenail. This is going to require some antibiotics to clear up the infection. In addition, if you have severe ingrown toenails, it is possible that surgery will be recommended. This will involve removing part or all of the toenail. While this can sound daunting, skin will grow over the area and you will experience no other side effects.