Preventing Ingrown Toenails

Is your ingrown nail a real nuisance or is it just too painful to handle anymore? Do you need help finding out how to relieve the pain and treating the problem entirely? Well, Dr. Richard Grayson of Avon Podiatry Associates in Avon, CT, can help you!
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What is an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenails are when toenails penetrate skin in the corners or sides of feet. This results in excruciating pain for some people and other people may also suffer from infections. Ingrown toenails may seem simple but ignoring minor medical issues can quickly evolve into more serious problems.
 

What does an ingrown toenail look like?

Ingrown toenails may be hard, swollen, and tender in the beginning, but if you don't get them looked at by your Avon, podiatrist, your toes may become sore, red, and infected. Another issue you need to take into consideration is that your own skin may grow over the ingrown toenail. Evolving into an even more complicated issue, as mentioned above.
 

What causes an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, are a result of improper toenail trimming toenails. They may be too short or too long. Ingrown toenails may be inherited or a result of poorly fitted shoes.
 

What treatment options are available?

Treating ingrown toenails can be a simple fix:

• Soak your foot in warm soapy water several times a day and try to keep your feet clean.
• Wear properly fitted shoes that give toes space to move.
• Avoid socks and get a prescription antibiotic from your podiatrist if there is an infection.
• Surgical removal of part of the ingrown toenail may be needed if there's an acute infection in a procedure called avulsion.

Do you think you have an ingrown toenail? Are you in pain or worried there may be a serious infection? If that's the case, don't hesitate to call your Avon, CT, podiatrist, Dr. Richard Grayson of Avon Podiatry Associates at (860) 677-7733 for more information.