Ingrown toenails is a common foot condition that many people experience. While visiting a podiatrist is the best way to ensure proper treatment, there are several simple methods one can follow to manage ingrown toenail recovery. Soaking the feet twice a day in warm water, cutting the toenails properly, wearing white socks to avoid dyes seeping into the wound, and wearing sensible and comfortable footwear can all ensure healing occurs smoothly.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. To learn more, consult with Dr. Edwin S. Hart III of Pennsylvania. Our doctorwill provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
- Bacterial infections
- Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
- Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
- Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
- Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bethlehem, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.