Ways to Prevent Ingrown Toenails and When to Seek Help

Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition. Ingrown toenails result when the the nails grow into the flesh. Left untreated, ingrown toe nails can become infected. Infections are problems for individuals with diabetes, poor circulation, or other conditions. Led Dr. Joseph Treadwell, Dr. Christian Davis, and Dr. Rihamary Jimenez, Foot & Ankle Specialists of Connecticut, P.C. with offices in Danbury, New Milford, and Plainville, CT, and serving the New Britain, Bristol, Southington, Famington, New Fairfield, and Ridgefield, CT, areas, offers a full range of podiatric services. Read on to find out how to prevent ingrown toenails and when to seek help.

Ingrown Toenails Overview

Anyone can develop ingrown toenails. An ingrown nail is caused by the pressure from the ingrowth of the toenail edge into the skin of the toe. The result is pain, inflammation, and redness. Ingrown toenails can be caused by shoes that are too tight in the toe area. Pressure from a ill-fitting shoes causes the toenails to grow abnormally. Some medical conditions, such as arthritis or fungal infections, can cause toenails to thicken and grow abnormally. Ingrown toenails can also result from injury to the toe.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails

Many cases of ingrown toenails may be prevented by trimming your nails the right way. Always cut the toenails straight across using nail clippers, and don’t cut them too short. Short nails have a tendency to become ingrown. Using an emery board to give your toenails a slight curve. Avoid tight-fitting shoes and wear comfortable socks. If you love pedicures, make sure to go to an experienced nail technician. A pedicure can cause ingrown toenails if the technician is overly aggressive in cutting back the toenails.

When to Visit a Podiatrist

You should see a podiatrist right away if your ingrown toenail is causing you pain or you think you may have an infection. Also, if a short trial of at-home treatment has not resulted in improvement of the condition, see your doctor in Plainville, Danbury, or New Milford, CT. If you have poor diabetes or poor circulation, you should seek immediate treatment at the first signs of an ingrown toenail, as it can lead to serious complications.

Say hello to healthy and happy feet! Call one of Foot & Ankle Specialists of Connecticut, P.C.'s offices to schedule an appointment- Danbury, CT- (203) 748-2220; New Milford, CT- (860) 355-3139; Plainville, CT- (860) 747-2200. Ingrown toenail treatments from our podiatrists can help you feel better, move better, and relieve your pain permanently!