Ingrown toenails are a troublesome and potentially painful foot condition that affects millions of Americans. The
Illinois Podiatric Medical Association
estimates that five percent of the American population has this problem. If you are prone to developing
ingrown toenails, you may need help from podiatrist Dr. Richard Grayson at Avon Podiatry Associates in Avon,
CT.
What Are Ingrown Toenails?
An ingrown toenail happens when the hard nail covering grows into the skin. People who have this problem often have
a lot of skin around their nails, or they tend to cut their nails too short. Wearing tight shoes can also cause
problems with the toes. As an ingrown toenail continues to grow, it pushes in deeper and may eventually break the
surface of the skin. They can be very painful and when left untreated they can cause infected sores to develop on
the feet.
How Are Ingrown Toenails Treated?
The treatment for ingrown toenails will depend on the severity of the case. Soaking the feet in warm water can help
loosen the toenail so that it can be properly clipped. If the toenail has broken the skin, your Avon, CT podiatrist
may have to remove the nail and treat the wound.
How You Can Avoid Ingrown Toenails
Some people are more prone to ingrown toenails than others, and it can be an inherited problem in some cases. But
there are a few things you can do to avoid them:
- Wear properly fitting shoes. Your toes should not press up against the front of your shoes when you wear
them.
- Clip toenails evenly, squarely, and uniformly. A small amount of nail should extend beyond the top of each
toe.
- If you are a diabetic patient, get help with toenail clippings at your podiatrist's office if needed, and go
to regular foot checkups.
Protect Your Feet
What may seem like a minor annoyance can become more of a problem if you don't treat your ingrown toenails. Go
in for a consultation and learn more about how to prevent future cases. Call (860) 677-7733 today to schedule an
appointment with Dr. Richard Grayson at his Avon, CT podiatry office.
