Ingrown toenails can be incredibly painful, uncomfortable, embarrassing and affects individuals of all ages. This common foot ailment occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, redness, and even infection. Fortunately, seeking timely care from a podiatrist can provide effective solutions to alleviate the pain and prevent further complications.
Understanding Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury to the toe, or genetic predisposition. When a toenail becomes ingrown, it can break the skin barrier, creating an entry point for bacteria. This can lead to infection, further aggravating the discomfort and potentially requiring medical intervention.
How Podiatrists Help
When it comes to ingrown toenails, we play a crucial role in providing relief and ensuring proper healing.
Assessment: We conduct a thorough examination to determine the severity of the ingrown toenail. We assess the degree of inflammation, potential infection, and any underlying factors contributing to the condition. If an infection is present, we may prescribe antibiotics or recommend topical treatments to prevent the infection from spreading.
Conservative treatment: We can often help with immediate pain relief by gently removing the edge if the problematic nail. Sometime, this will resolve the problem but not always.
Partial Nail Removal: In some cases, where conservative measures are ineffective, we may recommend a minor procedure to partially remove the ingrown portion of the nail. This procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and offers long-term, permanent relief.
Education and Prevention: We will discuss on the importance of proper nail care, suitable footwear choices, and measures to avoid ingrown toenails in the future.
Ingrown toenails can significantly impact your daily life, causing pain and discomfort that shouldn't be ignored. Seeking help from a skilled podiatrist is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of complications. With our expertise, you can find relief from the discomfort, prevent infections, and learn how to care for your feet to avoid future occurrences. Remember, addressing ingrown toenails promptly not only improves your comfort but also safeguards your overall foot health.
If you have any questions about ingrowing toenails or would like to book in, get in contact!
LR Podiatry team x
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