Is one of your toenails causing you pain when you walk? 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 are going to be aware 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!”