If you have an ingrown toenail, you know how painful it can be.
Contact the doctors at Bartlett Foot Center to schedule an appointment with our Bartlett Podiatrist today.
An ingrown toenail happens when the pressure from the ingrowth of the toe’s nail pushes into the skin of the toe. When the edge of the nail breaks through the skin, it produces inflammation and discomfort.
This is when you run the risk of an infection. If things get too bad, you might need ingrown toenail surgery.
Most people afflicted with an ingrown toenail will first do the standard treatment to try to remedy the situation. Using a well-lit mirror or magnifying glass, examine your toe. Notice if the nail is irregularly or improperly curved. This could be the reason for the ingrown nail.
Try to determine exactly where the nail might be ingrown into the skin of the toe. Having this information can be helpful in getting an appointment with a podiatrist. It may also give an indication to the doctor as to the severity of the problem. If the symptoms persist and you suspect your ingrown toenail has become infected, you will need to seek medical advice from an experienced foot doctor.
A typical cause is wearing shoes or socks that are too tight or are improperly made. Another factor might be incorrect grooming or cutting of the nails. It could also be the result of jamming or stubbing the toe.
This is important information for the podiatrist because it will determine whether surgery is necessary. For instance, if it’s a matter of the wrong shoes, then you can purchase shoes that are better made and fit properly. This could remedy the problem and you won’t need surgery. If your job or lifestyle involves the use of your toes in a manner that could cause additional injury in the future, things are more complicated.
Experiencing these symptoms is not an immediate call for ingrown toenail surgery though. Having some information at hand will help the podiatrist once you do call.
If treatments don’t work and changes can’t be made, the podiatrist may recommend a toenail avulsion. This is the removing of part of the nail through surgery.
The doctor cuts away the edges of the toenail to make it narrower, and may also remove the folds of skin on either side of the toenail. If the nail has become very thick or distorted, the whole nail may be taken out. Both procedures are done under local anesthetic and most people are back to normal the next day.
Whether it’s through treatment or surgery, save yourself from the pain of this common affliction. If you end up needing surgery, don’t worry. Just contact us to get connected with an experienced foot surgeon. We’re happy to help!
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