Ingrown toenails can cause a lot of discomfort and they are not always easy to deal with on your own. This is particularly true if the ingrown nail has caused an infection. In such cases it is important to see a podiatrist who can lift or remove the nail, if needed. Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland, your podiatrists in Silver Spring, Olney, Clinton and Kensington, MD, offer treatment options for alleviating the pain and discomfort caused by ingrown toenails. They can also correct or remove the ingrown toenail so that it it does not continue causing problems.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the sides or corners of the nail grow too closely to the skin around the nail. The nail presses against the skin, causing pain, discomfort, redness and swelling. Ingrown toenails can even lead to an infection in the affected area. Ingrown toenails are most common on the big toe. Causes of ingrown toenails include not trimming nails straight across, a fungal infection, pressure from ill-fitting shoes and a toe or foot injury. Heredity can also play a role. If ingrown toenails run in your family, you might be more likely to develop them.
Treating Ingrown Toenails
There are several treatment methods for dealing with ingrown toenails. For mild cases, soaking the affected foot in warm water can help ease the discomfort and even drain away any infection. Wearing shoes that are not too tight can also help ease discomfort and allow the ingrown portion of the toenail to grow out. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can provide relief from any pain or discomfort caused by the ingrown nail. For more serious cases, your Olney, MD podiatrist can surgically lift or remove the ingrown toenail.
To many people, ingrown nails seem like a minor problem. However, you can’t always deal with an ingrown toenail yourself. In many cases, only an experienced podiatrist can provide long lasting relief by performing surgery on the nail. For a podiatrist in Silver Spring, Olney, Clinton and Kensington, MD, contact the Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland to schedule an appointment.