You Can't Always Deal With An Ingrown Toenail Yourself

Ingrown toenails are incredibly common. However, if your ingrown toenail becomes infected and painful, medical treatment may be necessary to relieve the pain and potential complications. The foot doctors at Podiatry Services of CNY in Syracuse, NY and surrounding areas, offer treatment options for ingrown toenails and other common foot and ankle problems.

Get Treatment for an Ingrown Toenail in Syracuse, NY and surrounding areas

A toenail becomes ingrown when the corner of the nail digs into the skin, causing pain, swelling, and in some cases an infection. Depending on the severity, the pain can be significant and make it uncomfortable to put pressure on the toe when you walk, or even prevent you from wearing shoes that put additional pressure on the toe. The most common signs of an ingrown toenail include:

• Redness and "heat" on the skin around the nail
• Swelling/tenderness
• Pain
• Signs of infection around and under the nail

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

Although they are not always preventable, there are a few precautions you can take to limit your risk of developing an ingrown toenail:

• Trim your toenails straight across and keep them at a comfortable length where they are neither too short or too long
• Wear comfortable and supportive shoes with ample room to move your toes comfortably

If you have an ingrown toenail, the podiatrist will remove the tip of the nail that is lodged in the skin, or use a splint to manually lift the nail tip from the skin. If you suffer from chronic ingrown toenails, a portion of the nail may be removed to prevent it from becoming ingrown in the future.

Although ingrown toenails do not generally pose a health risk for healthy people, they can cause serious complications for diabetics. If you have diabetes, preventing ingrown toenails and other common foot problems like blisters and calluses should be a priority. Speak to a podiatrist about diabetic foot care options for your needs.

Find a Podiatrist in Syracuse, NY and surrounding areas

For more information on how to prevent and treat ingrown toenails when they develop, contact Podiatry Services of CNY by calling (315) 458-1777 to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.