Ingrown toenails occur when pressure from the ingrowth portion of the nail pushes into the skin. Once the nail breaks through, that causes painful inflammation. If left untreated, an infection can take place.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of ingrown toenails (also known by the medical term onychocryptosis) include swelling, pain and redness. There may also be some yellow-colored drainage or you may see pus if the toe has become infected. If you experience this problem on a regular basis or you have persistent pain, you should see a foot doctor.
However, there are times where seeing a podiatrist will be extremely important. For example, if you have a weakened immune system or diabetes, ingrown toenails could result in a potentially serious infection.
Prevention
There are several do’s and dont’s when it comes to avoiding ingrown toenails. Make sure your shoes fit properly, and that you have enough room to wiggle your toes without your entire foot sliding. Stay away from anything that causes repeated trauma and pressure to your toenails, and always practice good foot hygiene. When you trim your nails, make sure to cut them straight across. Things you should not do include cutting the corners of your toenails or trimming them too short.
Contact Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists
If you show the signs of ingrown toenails and you are in constant pain as a result, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a Dallas podiatrist at Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists. Contact us online to schedule an appointment or give us a call at (214) 366-4600.
