Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails can be quite painful and cause extensive discomfort. It is important to see a podiatrist for treatment because ingrown toenails can also become infected, which could lead to additional problems. If you are suffering from ingrown toenails, we can help. The board-certified podiatrists at the Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois in Springfield, and Decatur, IL, treat ingrown toenails. 

Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail 

Ingrown toenails grow too close to the skin. This causes the nail to press against the skin and can result in inflammation, discomfort, and pain. Some signs that a toenail is ingrown include: 

  • Pain and discomfort
  • Tenderness on the side of the nail
  • Redness and swelling around the nail
  • Infected skin around the nail
  • Pus around the toenail 

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

There are several factors that can contribute to a toenail being pressed up against the skin and becoming ingrown. Causes of ingrown toenails can include:

  • A fungal infection of the nail
  • An injury to the toe or toenail  
  • Wearing socks are shoes that are too tight
  • Cutting or trimming the toenails too short 
  • Having toenails that are curved 
  • Certain medical conditions 

Ingrown Toenail Treatments

It is important to seek treatment for an ingrown toenail to prevent it from becoming infected. Additionally, the skin could start growing over the ingrown nail without treatment. Many effective options are available for treating an ingrown toenail. Treatment could include:

  • Soaking the foot in soapy warm water several times a day
  • Wearing loose-fitting socks and shoes that do not crowd the toes 
  • Cutting out the portion of the toenail that is ingrown
  • Surgical removal of the entire ingrown toenail
  • Antibiotics to clear up an infection, if present 

Preventing Ingrown Toenails

It is possible to prevent an ingrown toenail by taking certain precautions. Steps that can be taken to prevent ingrown toenails include:

  • Refraining from cutting or trimming toenails too short 
  • Trimming toenails straight across rather than rounding the corners
  • Wear socks and shoes that fit properly without being too tight 
  • Keeping the feet clean and dry to prevent fungal infections 
  • Treating fungal infections right away

If you are suffering from ingrown toenails and the pain and discomfort they cause, we can help. Schedule an appointment with our podiatrists to discuss options for treating your ingrown toenail by calling the Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois in Springfield, and Decatur, IL, at (217) 787-2700.

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