Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail can be incredibly painful, and force you to put a hold on your active lifestyle until it is treated. Get this foot injury treated right away by calling the mobile podiatrist practice, Doctor Afoot, in Seattle, WA! We have the expertise to assess and treat your ingrown toenail before it becomes a serious problem. Read more about our ingrown toenail service, then contact us for a visit!
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail is the result of an overgrowth of the sides of the toenail into the skin. This can cause extreme pain, infection, and swelling. You’ll likely feel your ingrown toenail before you see it, so be sure to call our mobile podiatrist practice as soon as it comes on.
Causes
Improper trimming of the toenail is the most common cause of an ingrown toenail. Toenails should be cut straight across and not down the sides. If the nail is cut too short or curved in, it can cause the sides to grow into the skin. Wearing shoes that are too tight or socks that are too tight can also cause an ingrown toenail, as can trauma such as stubbing your toe.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of an ingrown toenail is pain. You may also experience redness, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. If the infection worsens, you may experience drainage, fever, and increased pain.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the severity of the condition but may include soaking the foot in warm water, wearing shoes with a wide-toe box, and cutting the edge of the nail away. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the ingrown portion of the nail.
Don’t let your ingrown toenail or other foot injury become a severe health issue that requires more extreme treatment. Contact the mobile podiatrist practice, Doctor Afoot, to get the professional care you need right away!