Even if you do not think an ingrown toenail is worth a physician’s time, you must have a professional podiatrist examine it if it is a persistent issue or causes you discomfort. Board-certified podiatrist John Jurcisin, DPM, ABPS, FACFAS, of Precision Foot Care in Midtown East, NYC, can alleviate discomfort and pain from ingrown toenails, address infections, and keep them from recurring. Arrange an appointment for expert Midtown East ingrown toenail care by calling the office or booking online to get started right away.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail, and How Does One Get One?
Whenever the side or corner of a toenail develops into the neighboring skin, it is ingrown. The big toe is the one typically affected by ingrown toenails. Redness, inflammation, and pain are all symptoms of ingrown toenails, resulting in infection.
Inappropriate grooming is the most prevalent trigger of ingrown toenails. It would help if you trimmed your toenails evenly across to avoid ingrown toenails. They are more likely to develop ingrown if they are extremely short or have jagged or rounded edges.
A toe injury might result in ingrown toenails. Excessive pressure on your big toe, particularly if your shoes or socks are too tight, might also cause them to form.
The majority of ingrown toenails are mild and can be treated at home. Nevertheless, if your ingrown toenail is extremely painful, seems to be diseased, or is not improving, you should see Dr. Jurcisin.
Is It Necessary for You to See a Physician About Your Ingrown Toenail?
Typically, the severity of an ingrown toenail could be determined by how much it bothers you. If the soreness and other symptoms are modest, at-home treatment should suffice, such as:
· Applying antibiotic ointment to the affected region.
· Using a bandage on the affected region.
· Soaking your feet in warm water.
Once you have an ingrown toenail, it is best to don open-toed shoes such as sandals. Ingrown toenails could be aggravated by wearing closed-toed shoes.
If your ingrown toenail seems to be diseased, schedule a visit with Precision Footcare. If pus is oozing from the nail or the redness, discomfort, or inflammation worsens, you may have an infection.
Dr. Jurcisin could use antibiotics to address diseased ingrown toenails. In some circumstances, you could require surgery to eliminate the infected portion of the nail.
If you have diabetes or another illness impairing your circulation, it is smart to seek medical help for an ingrown toenail. Minor wounds and cuts, such as ingrown toenails, are more probable to result in infections with severe repercussions if you have diabetes, but prompt treatment and adequate foot care could avert this.
What Can You Do to Avoid Ingrown Toenails?
Even though they are typically avoidable, ingrown toenails could be a bothersome, recurrent problem; It is critical to take care of your feet and keep them clean. This entails the following:
· Donning adequately fitting socks and shoes.
· Trimming your toenails straight down.
· Allowing your feet to breathe following high-impact activities such as soccer or running.
· Washing your toes and feet daily.
Are you yet to obtain comprehensive care for your ingrown toenail? Call the Precision Footcare office or use the online booking tool to set up an appointment today.