If you’ve ever had an ingrown toenail, you will know that they can be very painful. They can also cause nasty complications, including infection in the bone of your toe and ulcers. Fortunately, they can be treated. So, if you suspect that you have an ingrown toenail, here is what you need to do.
What Are Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown or ingrowing toenails occur when the edges or corners of your toenails grow into the skin around the nail. This is most likely to happen to your big toe. You might notice:
- Skin next to the nail becoming swollen and tender
- Pain when you place pressure on the toe
- Fluid building up around the toe
These are early stage symptoms and if you notice them, you should seek treatment. If you leave them, the toe may get infected and this can cause symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Pus
What Are The Treatment Options For An Ingrown Toenail?
It is possible to treat an ingrown toenail at home. You can do this by soaking your feet in warm, salty water for 15-20 minutes four times a day – and ensuring that your feet are kept dry for the rest of the time. If the symptoms don’t alleviate after a few days – or if they worsen – you should make an appointment with a podiatrist.
The podiatrist will be able to assess the severity of your ingrown toenail and recommend treatment options. These will depend on the cause of your ingrown toenail.
If you need surgery, this could be in the form of a partial or full nail removal. With a partial nail removal, only the piece of nail that is digging into your skin is removed. Full nail removal may be required if your ingrown toenail is caused by thickening.
After surgery is complete, your podiatrist will tell you what you need to do to care for your nail and avoid infection. It is important to follow these instructions carefully.
What Can I Do To Avoid Getting Ingrown Toenails?
In order to avoid getting ingrown toenails, you can:
- Trim your toenails straight across, making sure that the edges do not curve in.
- Make sure that you don’t cut your toenails too short.
- Wear properly fitting shoes and socks.
There are several very practical lifestyle changes you can make that will reduce your risk of developing an ingrowing nail or having one recur.
The first thing to consider is your shoes. Make sure your shoes fit you properly. They should allow enough room for you to wiggle your toes around without being smushed together. When your shoes don’t fit – particularly if they’re very tight around the toes – you’ll find you’re far more likely to develop ingrowing nails.
Keeping your nails properly trimmed, while avoiding cutting your nail on a diagonal, or too short will also help. Always trip your nails straight across. This prevents them growing improperly into your nail bed. You’ll need to be particularly careful about this if you’re diabetic.
How To Tell If Your Ingrown Toenail Is Infected
It’s not unusual for an ingrown toenail to become infected, particularly if the nail pierces your skin and causes an open wound. Ingrown toenails can also lead to debris becoming embedded in your nail bed, and issues with your cuticles, all of which can lead to infection.
You can usually tell very easily if an ingrown toenail has become infected. If your nail is bleeding, this is often an early sign of infection. You may also notice that the nail is oozing, or that there is a build up of fluid around the affected nail. Heat or warmth around your nail bed is also a sign of infection, as is overgrown or inflamed tissues around your toenail’s edges.
Swelling, throbbing, and pain in and around your toe as well as pressure under the toenail or hardening and redness around it are also signs of an infection. More acute symptoms include an abscess that has filled with puss around the jagged edge of your nail where it punctures the skin, or a foul smell. Thick, yellowing or cracked nails can also indicate a fungal nail infection.
For more information check out our infected ingrown toenail guide.
Understanding Post-Operative Complications in Ingrown Toenail Treatment
When it comes to treating ingrown toenails, understanding post-operative complications is crucial. Recent studies have shown varying outcomes depending on the treatment method. For instance, using phenol instead of trichloroacetic acid can reduce oozing post-surgery. Interestingly, adding curettage to chemical matrixectomy has been associated with a decrease in infection rates, despite an increase in bleeding. These findings highlight the importance of discussing potential post-operative complications with your podiatrist to choose the best treatment plan for your specific case.
Pain Management: A Key Aspect of Treatment
Dealing with post-operative pain is a significant aspect of ingrown toenail treatment. Various studies have reported different levels of pain based on the type of surgical procedure performed. For example, nail bracing has shown higher pain levels compared to matrix excision at certain post-operative stages. This emphasizes the importance of a tailored pain management plan post-treatment, which should be a part of your discussion with the healthcare provider. Detailed insights into these studies can be found in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research.
Enhancing Patient Satisfaction Through Treatment
Patient satisfaction is an essential measure of treatment success. Studies have revealed improvements in patient satisfaction with various ingrown toenail treatments, though the methods of measuring satisfaction can vary. One interesting finding is that satisfaction with scar appearance tends to be higher in certain treatments. Knowing this can help you set realistic expectations and discuss satisfaction-related outcomes with your podiatrist. Further details on these studies are available in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research.
What Should I Do If I Have Concerns?
If you are worried that you might have an ingrown toenail, or if you have an ingrown toenail that is not healing properly, you should make an appointment with a podiatrist. They will be able to treat your foot and give you advice to avoid this occurring again in the future.
At Northwich Foot Clinic, we are experts at treating ingrown toenails. You can book an appointment online. We’re easily accessible from across the North West, and we look forward to helping you.
FAQs
What are some effective home treatments for ingrown toenails?
Treatment at home can include soaking your feet in warm, salty water, gently lifting the nail, and using over-the-counter creams. However, if symptoms persist, it’s advisable to consult a podiatrist.
How can a podiatrist help with ingrown toenails?
A podiatrist can offer professional treatments such as partial or full nail removal, depending on the severity. They can also provide guidance on preventing future occurrences.
What are the best methods to treat ingrown toenails?
The best methods include conservative home care, medical treatments like antibiotics for infections, and in severe cases, surgical interventions. Always seek advice from a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment.
What should I expect during ingrown toenail treatment from a podiatrist?
During treatment a podiatrist may perform minor surgery to remove part of the nail, apply a local anesthetic, and provide aftercare instructions to prevent recurrence.
Can ingrown toenails be prevented?
Yes, ingrown toenails can often be prevented by trimming your nails straight across, wearing properly fitting shoes, and maintaining good foot hygiene.
What are some signs that I should visit a podiatrist for my ingrown toenail?
If you experience severe pain, redness, swelling, or signs of infection like pus, it’s important to visit a podiatrist.
