Treatment for Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown Toenail Birmingham: A Better Foot Forward
Ingrown toenails have a knack for making our toes curl—in more ways than one. Quite literally, an ingrown toenail happens when a nail’s edge grows into the skin of a toe. While highly common, ingrown toenails don’t make for pleasant sights. Plus, they can become quite painful if left unaddressed.
Why Do I Have An Ingrown Toenail?
Being on the ground, and out from our immediate eyesight, our feet can tend to be overlooked. At times, we can feel shocked at how fast our toenails grow when we see them lying in bed or while on the bath mat. We can incur an ingrown toenail in a number of ways, but a common culprit is our own neglect.
We all know our nails grow—but it can surprise us by how fast. What may also surprise are the ways it grows: lengthwise, yes, but also by width. That’s right, our toenails grow wider as well as longer. If we don’t cut them regularly, the edges of the nail will dig into the skin surrounding. The ensuing pain and inflammation signal a problem in foot care.
Foot trauma also serves as a common cause for ingrown toenails; even something as simple as stubbing your toe. A stubbed toe or other foot trauma can cause a bend to form in the toenail, which can offset a toenail’s growth trajectory. If the toe starts to grow at an angle, it can curve into the skin as an ingrown toenail.
You’ve heard the saying, “if the shoe fits.” Well, what if it really doesn’t? Shoes that don’t fit properly can also lead to ingrown toenails. When toes squish together due to overly snug shoes, the pressure also carries the risk of curling your toes in over time. If your go-to shoes feel cramped, it might be time to toss them in the trash for your foot health.
What’s the Solution to My Ingrown Toenail?
Since ingrown toenails are quite common, treatment options do exist—and are relatively easy to access.
If you think you might have an ingrown toenail, it’s best to be on the safe side and schedule a check-up with a podiatrist or foot specialist. They can diagnose whether or not you have one, and provide treatments on the spot to boot!
Solutions to ingrown toenails can vary a couple of ways. For less extreme cases, a toenail could be filed down without the aid of an anaesthetic in-house. If the ingrown nail requires more attention, the sides of the nail, or even the nail entirely, may have to be removed. Major cases may demand more extensive treatments, such as ingrown toenail surgery. A podiatrist can help point you in the right direction—and give you the best foot forward.
How Foot Specialists of Birmingham Fit
Much like the right shoe, the right foot specialist has to fit. Our foot care requires it. If you’re experiencing an ingrown toenail, or any foot problems for that matter, make an appointment with Foot Specialists of Birmingham.
Whether it’s for nail care or some other foot issue, our specialists come equipped to handle it. Plus, our office is conveniently located in Birmingham, AL. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to get you, and your feet, back on track.
