What is an ingrown toenail?
As the name suggests, an ingrown toenail is a nail that grows into the flesh on either side of your nail bed, causing pain and inflammation. While an ingrown toenail can affect any of your toes, more often than not, this condition occurs in your toes.
What causes ingrown toenails?
There are many reasons why you may be suffering from an ingrown toenail, but the most common causes include:
- Improper trimming (rounding the edges or cutting your nails too short)
- Congenital problem wherein your toenails are overly curved
- Trauma, such as stubbing your toe
- Tight or ill-fitting shoes
Whatever the cause, it’s important that you seek prompt treatment to alleviate the pain and avoid any complications.
What complications can arise from an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenails are usually not caused for any great concern, outside of the sometimes excruciating pain. However, if left untreated, an ingrown toenail can become infected, making the condition more painful and tougher to treat.
For people with diabetes, on the other hand, an ingrown toenail can pose a serious threat. Since many diabetic patients have problems fighting off infections in their feet, any condition that can lead to one needs to be treated as quickly as possible. At the first signs of a problem, call or schedule an appointment with Dr. Goldberg to have your ingrown toenail treated correctly.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
Dr. Goldberg is often able to relieve the pain your ingrown toenail is causing within minutes of confirming the problem. Using a topical anesthetic, she removes or lifts the piece of nail that’s digging into your flesh.
After ensuring that an infection isn’t present, she places cotton or a splint underneath the toenail to encourage it to grow away from your skin. She may recommend soaking the toe at home while it heals.
If you have a chronic issue with developing ingrown toenails, Dr. Goldberg may recommend a simple in-office procedure to remove the portion of nail bed that’s continually causing your ingrown toenails.
For relief from your ingrown toenail, call the Goldberg Podiatry Center, LLC office to request an appointment.
