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About Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail might sound like a minor problem, yet all too often it can lead to infection, pain, and even difficulty wearing shoes or walking if it goes untreated. But you can avoid these problems if you get the right treatment the first time. At the Advanced Foot and Ankle Center in Danbury, Connecticut, Paul Betschart, DPM, uses the most cutting-edge solutions to offer permanent correction for ingrown toenails. Rely on an expert foot doctor. Call the office or book an appointment online today.
Ingrown Toenails Q&A
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail develops when the corners of your nail (usually the big toenail) grow under the skin around the nail.
When your nail punctures the skin, it creates inflammation. This is often uncomfortable, but it can become downright painful if bacteria enter the skin opening to cause an infection.What are the signs of an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenails aren't always obvious at first, but as the problem worsens, you can experience:
● Discomfort or pain around your nail borders● Prominent red skin around nail corner● Toe swelling● Fluid or pus drainage from the corner of your toe● Foul odor, if you have drainage
If your problems are serious enough to cause discomfort or affect your ability to wear shoes or walk normally, reach out for care at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center immediately.What causes ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails can occur at any age and affect both sexes. Athletes, including dancers and runners, often get ingrown toenails due to repeated foot stress. Some other reasons for an ingrown toenail to develop can include:
● Incorrect nail trimming ● Irregularly shaped toenails● Shoes that are too tight or otherwise fit badly● Foot injury, such as stubbing your toe
Regardless of the reason for your ingrown toenail, Dr. Betschart at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center offers permanent solutions to help you avoid chronic issues.How do you treat an ingrown toenail?
Dr. Betschart prescribes treatment based on how serious your symptoms are, how deep the nail is, and your general health. Treatment may include professional toenail trimming, foot soaking, antibacterial ointments, and antibiotics if you have an infection.
If you have a chronic ingrown toenail, you may need a minor surgical procedure in which Dr. Betschart removes a portion or all of your toenail. Removing the nail matrix, the root of the nail, permanently prevents it from growing back.
Don’t try to remove the ingrown part of your toenail yourself. Digging into your skin to retrieve the nail can be very painful without anesthesia, and you also have a high risk of infection due to improper technique and unsterilized tools. Dr. Betschart can solve the problem without pain.
For permanent ingrown toenail solutions, call Advanced Foot and Ankle Center, or use the online scheduler today.