Are you looking for a qualified podiatrist who specializes in treating ingrown toenails in Naperville? If so, then you may want to consider visiting a podiatrist foot and ankle surgeon at American Foot & Ankle Specialists. Their primary goal is to provide excellent foot care for a lifetime of problem-free feet. But before you book your appointment online or call the clinic directly, here are some interesting facts you didn’t know about ingrown toenails.
What are ingrown toenails?
Most people overlook the seriousness of ingrown toenails until they start noticing swelling and excruciating pain. Naturally, the toenails are supposed to grow outside the soft tissues, but when the opposite happens, it may cause swelling and pain to the soft tissue.
What causes ingrown toenails?
Your toenails are your claws. You use them to scratch and grip items. So, when they become long, you will need to cut them to prevent dirt and other particles from thriving inside them. The causes of ingrown nails are many, but the most common one is trimming the nail’s sides. To avoid ingrown toenails, you should cut them straight across. However, you should be careful to avoid giving broad sides of your nails when trimming.
If your ingrown toenails were not due to bad trimming, chances are the condition could be running in your family. In other cases, wearing tight shoes that gather the toes can also increase the risk of dealing with an ingrown toenail.
Home remedies for ingrown toenails may be helpful but not effective
The first thing any foot care expert may ask you during a consultation for ingrown toenails is whether you tried home remedies. An ingrown toenail can easily be treated by soaking in warm salty water for about 30 minutes. After that, you should dry it completely, add an antiseptic, and cover your feet with a bandage, but all that may not guarantee you permanent results.
A podiatrist can help to treat ingrown nails
While home remedies may help reduce the pain and swelling on the soft tissues, they might not fix the underlying issues right away. A podiatrist can examine the area to determine if more comprehensive treatment is necessary to fix it. The presence of swelling, pain, or discharge can be a sign of an upcoming problem. Your doctor might provide you with a prescription for antibiotics to reduce your chances of infections. After that, the ingrown nail will be removed.
You do not have to live with ingrown toenails
Anytime you notice something unusual about toenails, seeing a podiatrist will be a good idea. The truth is ingrown nails may seem manageable, but they can affect the quality of your life. Do not ignore pain or swelling on the soft tissues even if it is mild, as it could be a reflection of what may happen when you do not seek help right away. To learn more about ingrown nails and how a podiatrist can help you, schedule a consultation with your doctor at American Foot & Ankle Specialists.