What your podiatrists in Orlando, Florida want you to know
Ingrown toenails are common, and they are also annoying. They can be painful, making it difficult to wear shoes and walk around. The good news is there are some ways to prevent ingrown toenails, and if you do get an ingrown toenail, there are some simple home remedies you can try to heal your ingrown toenail. Drs. Timothy Mason and Jason Hancock at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Orlando in Orlando, Florida want to share some things you should know about ingrown toenails.
You may be more prone to developing an ingrown toenail if you:
- Have toenails that curve down
- Cut your toenails too short
- Suffer a toe injury
- Have abnormal foot structure
- Develop fungal infections under your toenails
- Routinely wear shoes that are too narrow
You can do a lot to prevent ingrown toenails by remembering to always cut your toenails straight across. Don’t round the corners because this can make the toenail grow downward into the skin of your toe. Avoid cutting your toenails too short, and always wear comfortable, wide shoes that don’t cramp your toes.
So how do you know if you have an ingrown toenail? Typically ingrown toenails are painful. You may notice increasing pressure and throbbing pain under your toenail. Your toe may look swollen, dark, and red, often with pus or other drainage coming from underneath the nail.
If you do get an ingrown toenail, you can get relief by following a few simple home remedies like these:
- Soak your toe in warm water
- Place dental floss under your toenail to push the nail back up
- Apply antibiotic cream around your toenail
- Bandage your toenail to provide support
- Wear sandals or other open-toe shoes to help your toe heal
For stubborn ingrown toenails that don’t respond to home treatment, your podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Orlando have several options they can recommend including:
- Trimming or shaving your toenail to reduce pressure
- Lifting the toenail to allow it to grow normally
- Removing the toenail to allow a healthy nail to grow
You don’t have to let an ingrown toenail disrupt your life. Get some relief by calling Drs. Timothy Mason and Jason Hancock at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Orlando in Orlando, Florida today!