Contending with an ingrown toenail can be challenging and painful when a toenail edge grows into the surrounding skin. If you're struggling with an ingrown toenail and live/work/play in or around Fairfax, VA, Dr. My Hoa Kaas at the Virginia Foot & Ankle Center can help find the solution to solve your ingrown toenail issue/problem.
Ingrown Toenail Symptoms
Typical or common ingrown toenail symptoms include the following –
- Discomfort can lead to intense pain.
- Swelling or redness to the impacted area.
- Tenderness.
In time, without treatment, an infection may develop from an ingrown toenail. Should this happen, the pain and other symptoms will become more pronounced, and pus/discharge may develop. In more severe circumstances, the skin around the ingrown toenail may become hardened and overgrown.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
An ingrown toenail (a.k.a. onychocryptosis) can happen for a variety of reasons -
- Poor Nail Trimming Habits – It is critical to trim toenails with care. This means cutting straight across, with the corners rounded. The nails, when trimmed, should not be too short.
- Improper Footwear Choices – Selecting footwear/shoes that are too narrow/have insufficient room in the toe box creates needless pressure that causes a toenail to become ingrown.
- Trauma/Injury – stubbing a toe, etc., can cause an ingrown toenail.
- Genetics - genetic predispositions are theorized to be contributing factors to the development of ingrown toenails.
- Anatomical Structural Issues – Foot shape or nail issues may increase the likelihood of an ingrown toenail developing.
If you neglect your feet by overlooking the need for proper foot hygiene (keeping them clean and dry), infections may result from an untreated or unidentified ingrown toenail.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment Options
A simple soak in warm water combined with Epsom salts may offer relief for mild ingrown toenail conditions. However, it is essential to keep the impacted area dry/clean.
If an ingrown toenail is left untreated, the condition can progress into a more serious condition, such as an infection, cellulitis (skin infection), or an abscess. If an infection is present, Dr. My Hoa Kaas might recommend taking antibiotics or applying a topical antibiotic.
For some ingrown toenail situations, surgery may be the best option. In those cases, there are minor surgical procedures that may provide relief.
Contact a Leading Fairfax, VA Podiatrist Near You Today
If you experience severe pain, suspect you have an infection, or the condition doesn't improve with conventional home care options, contact Dr. My Hoa Kaas or a member of our staff at the Virginia Foot & Ankle Center at (703) 205-0770.