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If you've had an ingrown toenail, you know how much pain and discomfort they can cause! As you're reading this, anywhere from 2-5% of the US population is currently suffering from an ingrown toenail. The most common ages to get an ingrown toenail are from 10-20 and 50-60 years old, but they can happen to anyone!
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of your toenail starts to grow into the surrounding tissue. One of the most common nail problems that podiatrists see everyday, ingrown toenails are more likely to occur if you wear tight fitting shoes, sweat frequently, or cut your toenails too short or rounded. Some medications that treat cancer can also cause ingrown toenails. Diabetes, or any condition that causes fluid retention, can sometimes cause ingrown toenails as well.
Treatment for an ingrown toenail can vary depending on how severe the case is. Soaking your feet and treating them with a mild antiseptic is sometimes all that is needed. Other times a brace or splint may be used to ensure proper healing/growth of the toenail. If the affected toenail is very severe, a partial nail removal is an option that is quick and relatively easy. The treatment will depend on your individual case and what your doctor recommends for your feet.
Leaving an ingrown toenail untreated can cause even more problems that require much more serious and costly care like an infection. Sometimes it is tempting to ignore minor issues like an ingrown toenail, but treating your foot as soon as you can is always a better option compared to leaving it alone and hoping it goes away.
There are several things you can do to help prevent ingrown toenails. First, make sure your shoes fit your feet and are not too tight or too loose. Trim your toenails to the proper length and try to avoid rounded edges. Maintaining your toenails with clippers periodically can also help you to stay on top of your foot and ankle health.
Ingrown toenails are common, and affect people everyday. If you have exhausted at home care options for your feet, or you just want our team to take a look, contact us today to get your feet back to happy and healthy. With over 5 locations in the valley, we can help wherever you are. Get the level of care you deserve with Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona, contact us today.