An ingrown toenail is a condition that occurs when the sides of your toenail grow into the flesh. If you suffer from ingrown toenails, you should visit a podiatrist for treatment. If unchecked, ingrown toenails Pico Robertson, Beverly Hills can become infected, requiring surgery.

Causes of ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails stem from different reasons. The condition occurs mostly in people with sweaty feet or older people with thick nails. Below are the most common causes of ingrown toenails.

Improper toenail trimming

Cutting your toenails too short can cause the nail to grow into the flesh. It is advisable to cut your nails straight across and file immediately after. If you have thick or hard nails, try and soak your feet in warm water before trimming your nails.

Toe injuries

Any trauma to your toe can easily lead to an ingrown toenail. If you participate in sports like running or ballet, you should watch out for ingrown toenails. Such sports exert a lot of pressure on your toes. When you engage in such sports, wear comfortable shoes that allow room for your toes. Bumping or jamming your toes

Certain conditions like diabetes

If you have diabetes, you have a higher likelihood of developing ingrown toenails. Diabetes causes the narrowing of blood vessels due to fatty deposits leading to poor blood circulation. By dealing with diabetes, you can increase your blood circulation and lessen the chance of getting an ingrown toenail.

Improper footwear

To promote healthy toenails, keep off from tight socks or shoes. Narrow footwear compresses the feet and can interfere with blood circulation and cause discomfort to your feet. Wearing tight shoes that overcrowd your toes causes ingrown toenails.

Treatment options

Depending on the severity of the condition, your specialist will recommend different treatment options. If the condition is severe, you might be eligible for surgery. Your doctor might offer home solutions if the condition is in the early stages.

If you have surgery, your podiatrist will put you under local anesthesia. The provider will remove the toenail or part of it and treat the area with antibiotics to prevent infections. The doctor will bandage your toe to help it heal. In case of infections, you can receive laser treatments. Your provider can offer a Keryflex nail restoration system if you have damaged nails.

Prevention

You can take certain precautions to keep the occurrence of an ingrown toenail to a minimum. Such precautions include:

• Seeking treatment for health conditions like diabetes
• Regular exercising
• Wearing proper footwear
• Practice proper feet grooming

When to see a doctor

You should visit your doctor if you observe new changes in your feet. Although pain should be an indicator, be on the lookout for other symptoms like:

• Swollen, red, or tender skin around the nail
• Fluid build-up around the toe
• Pain when you apply pressure
• Oozing of pus
• Bleeding

Schedule an appointment with your doctor when you experience any of the above symptoms. You can visit Eazy Foot and Ankle Center, and experience qualified and professional staff ready to offer personalized care. Call or book an appointment online and receive evaluation and treatment.