Do you enjoy running, kicking the ball around or pirouetting on your tippy toes?
Most of us do. But when you have ingrown toenails, you'll know how they can stop you from doing the things you love.
An ingrown toenail is annoying, painful and sometimes embarrassing. But there are ways you can stop that pesky nail in its place.
If you're dealing with painful ingrown nails, there are several treatments to help you fight back. Check out this guide to learn more.
Ingrown Nail Causes
There are many reasons why ingrown nails develop. In some cases, the nail is simply too large for the toe.
In others, trauma to the nail can cause an ingrown nail. This includes stubbing your toe and getting your toe stepped on.
But the most common cause of ingrown nails is improper trimming. Cutting your toenails improperly can cause the nail to curl and dig under the skin.
Ingrown Nail Symptoms
There are some noticeable symptoms of an ingrown toenail, including discoloration and pain. As you conduct your own check, you should also look for:
• Yellowish drainage coming from the nail • Swelling • Bleeding • Foul odour • Thick, cracked nails • Pressure under the nail
When left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to infection and further pain.
Ingrown Toenail Remedies
For less severe cases, you can treat your ingrown nails at home. Some remedies include:
• Applying antibiotic or antifungal cream • Choosing less-restrictive shoes (i.e. open-toed) • Taking over-the-counter pain medication • Soaking your feet in warm salt water
If you're experiencing inflammation, soaking your feet for 15 to 20 minutes twice daily can help reduce swelling.
It's also important to keep your feet dry. To do this, let your feet breathe to avoid dampness from wearing your shoes too long.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, it may be time for medical intervention with a podiatrist.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment
After an examination, your doctor will discuss the best treatment for your ingrown toenails. This may include:
• Toe splinting • Oral antibiotics • Partial nail removal • Complete nail and tissue removal
In many cases, minor surgery is the most effective solution. For a surgical procedure, your doctor will numb your toe and cut away the problematic part of the nail. Or remove it entirely and chemically destroy the root of the nail for a permanent correction.
Removal of the entire nail greatly decreases the chances of the infection returning.
Remove Ingrown Nails in Calgary Now
We rely on our feet for our day-to-day life, so it's important we take care of them.
If you're experiencing foot and nail pain, it's best to have a podiatrist take a look. And for reliable Calgary nail treatment, choose Heritage Family Foot Clinic. Our experienced staff is dedicated to the well-being of you and your feet.
Don't get down by your ingrown nails; our foot clinic offers several treatments, including nail removal.
If you're tired of ingrown nails, book your appointment online today and let's get you back on your feet.