Ingrown Toenails In Colorado Springs, CO
Ingrown toenails are a common but painful foot condition that occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. While often affecting the big toe, ingrown toenails can occur on any toe and significantly impact daily activities. When you understand what causes ingrown toenails, you can take steps to prevent them from happening in the future and understand how you can relieve pain from an ingrown toenail.
Understanding How To Deal With Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that can cause severe pain and infection. Understanding what could cause an ingrown toenail and how it could be prevented is important. Ingrown toenails can be caused by issues such as:
- Improper nail trimming
- Tight footwear
- Injury
- Poor foot hygiene
Symptoms could include pain and tenderness, especially when pressure is applied. You may also notice redness, swelling around the affected area, and pain. If the ingrown nail breaks the skin, it can lead to infection, characterized by increased pain, warmth, pus, and sometimes a foul odor.
When dealing with an ingrown toenail, your podiatrist will often recommend at-home treatment first. This could include soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. After soaking, gently lift the edge of the nail and place a small piece of cotton or dental floss under it to encourage the nail to grow above the skin. Change the cotton daily. You should also choose open-toed or loose-fitting shoes that don’t press on the ingrown nail.
Sometimes, a podiatrist may need to remove part of the nail or the entire nail to prevent the condition from recurring.
Contact Our Podiatrist Today
Make sure you understand how to deal with an ingrown toenail. Contact Dr. Matthew Thomas at Pikes Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic in Colorado Springs, CO, at (719) 867-8838 to learn more about dealing with an ingrown toenail.