One of your toes has become so sore that you can hardly walk on it. It may be red or swollen, closed shoe may make it worse. and the nail may or may not appear to be digging into the skin. These common podiatric symptoms likely stem from an ingrown toenail. The podiatrists at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center in McKinney and Prosper, TX have seen and treated many ingrown toenails and offer medical solutions for this condition and ways to avoid future problems, and can ease your anxiety surrounding this condition.
Symptoms of an ingrown toenail
Besides the pain, swelling, and redness, patients with ingrown toenails may have an infection with pus and and may even have an odor. The nail itself can discolor and separate from the nail bed. There may be some itchiness, and maybe even some peeling, bleeding or a growth there.
Medically-termed onychocryptosis, ingrown toenails plague people of all ages but more so occur with individuals who:
- Are obese
- Have diabetes
- Are prone to abnormalities in gait and toe and foot structure
- Experience pedal edema, or foot swelling, due to compromised circulation
- Engage in athletic activities which involve repeated pressure on the foot and toes (such as running)
- Wear shoes with improper fit (both too large or too small)
- Children who experience a growth spurt
What your foot doctor in McKinney and Prosper can do
Our podiatrists advise patients to seek professional care for ingrown toenails to prevent further damage and infection. At Advanced Foot & Ankle Center, your foot doctor will examine your feet. We may
- Trim the intruding nail away from the skin
- perform a perminent partial nail removal (matrixectomy) if warrented or chronic
- Prescribe an oral antibiotic and applying antibiotic ointment
Feet treated for ingrown toenails recover quickly, and people generally resume normal activities within the next day.
Preventing ingrown toenails
Here are some common sense strategies to prevent ingrown toenails:
- Using a clean clippers, trim all toenails straight across. Do not trim the corners at an angle.
- Wash your feet daily, and change your socks.
- Make use of a nail brush to prevent dead skin cells and sock lint from building up between the nail and skin folds
- Wear properly fitting shoes with adequate room in the toe box.
Do you need treatment?
Contact Advanced Foot & Ankle Center in McKinney and Prosper, TX if you have symptoms of an ingrown toenail. Its best to treat ingrown nails early.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure.
Sincerely,
Advanced Foot and Ankle
972.542.2155