Ingrown Toenails
Have you ever thought about your toenails? These relatively simple structures protect the thin bones of our toes, which help guard our mobility and quality of life. For many, they are also canvases for color.
Sometimes, though, problems can occur that result in more harm than good. If you have ever experienced ingrown toenails, then you surely understand.
What are Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows and digs into the fleshy edges of your toe, instead of over them.
Typically occurring in the big toe, the area becomes painful, tender, swollen, red, and warm to the touch. As the nail grows deeper inward, extra tissue and skin will grow around it. Yellow pus and drainage become a factor as the body naturally attempts to correct the invasion.
If left untreated, ingrown nails pose the risk of infection or the formation of an abscess. When the toe becomes infected, the drainage will become cloudy and white. Other signs of infection include a light-colored section of skin developing within the red, irritated area, and possibly the presence of a fever.
What Can You Do For Your Ingrown Toenail?
The most common reasons for an ingrown toenail are:
- Improper toenail trimming.
- Wearing ill-fitted shoes.
- Fungal infection.
- Sustaining an injury, such as stubbing your toe.
- Having a family history of ingrown toenails.
To prevent future foot pain, we suggest careful trimming of your toenails. Never cut your toenails too short and do not follow the natural rounded edge of your toe. The nail should be clipped straight across and kept the length of your toe. Always keep your clipping tools neat, clean, and dry.
Other preventative measures include wearing proper footwear. If your shoes are too tight around your toes, you are putting yourself at risk.
Be sure that your shoes leave adequate room for your toes. Avoid wearing pointed shoes and high heels. In general, any sort of footwear that causes the toes to feel squished, compressed, or under pressure should be avoided. Protect your feet and they will feel better.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment Options
If your nail has begun to grow inward, there are several treatment options. You may wish to start with at-home remedies. Try soaking the toe in warm water 3 to 4 times a day. When you are not soaking the foot, be sure to keep it clean and dry.
If the condition is not improving, the toenail may need to be lifted from the skin and a small piece of cotton or dental floss should be inserted. This process will encourage the nail to redirect and grow correctly. The cotton or dental floss should be replaced every day.
Give it three days and call our team if the pain worsens or the nail does not improve. In some cases, ingrown toenails need professional care. If your nail has become infected, prescription medication may be recommended. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may even need surgery.
Surgical options include partial or full removal of the toenail. If the nail has to be removed, it will likely grow back within 3 to 4 months. For individuals prone to suffering from chronic ingrown toenails, permanent removal may be discussed.
Onyfix: A Non-Surgical Solution for Ingrown Toenails
At Crown Foot and Ankle, we understand the discomfort and pain caused by ingrown toenails. To address this common podiatric issue, we are proud to offer Onyfix, a revolutionary non-surgical treatment that provides relief without the need for invasive procedures. Onyfix is a cutting-edge technology designed to correct the curvature of the nail, which is often the root cause of ingrown toenails.
This innovative system involves the application of a composite material that is molded to the shape of your nail. Once hardened, it works gently over time to guide the nail into a flatter, more natural growth pattern. The Onyfix treatment is pain-free and safe for patients of all ages, including those with diabetes or poor circulation. It’s an ideal solution for patients with non-infected ingrown toenails who are looking for an effective alternative to surgery.
With Onyfix, patients can continue their daily activities immediately after application, without any downtime. The treatment not only alleviates pain but also helps prevent the recurrence of ingrown toenails. Embrace the comfort of healthy toenail growth and say goodbye to the pain of ingrown toenails with Onyfix at Crown Foot and Ankle.
Ingrown Toenail Care
The health and safety of your feet are extremely important. Do not wait until the pain becomes unbearable. Contact Crown Foot and Ankle here in Crown Point for more information on how to take care of your nails.
Call our office at (219) 257-0255 or use our online contact form to schedule an appointment today.