An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, is a common condition affecting people of all ages and can cause severe pain, inflammation, irritation, and redness. It is caused when the corners or edges of your nail grow into the skin and usually affects the big toe. So, if you, too, are suffering a painful ingrown toenail and want to get rid of it, then it is best to consult with a podiatrist. And in case you are located in Mandurah or nearby areas, you can visit Peel Podiatry Clinic. Our expert podiatrists will assess the condition and provide ingrown toenail treatment in Mandurah accordingly.
Ingrown toenails can sometimes make walking or wearing shoes difficult, depending on how much they have grown. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can have serious health consequences and might even need surgery. So, if you have an ingrown toenail and your home remedies failed to alleviate the tenderness and swelling within 3-4 days, make sure to visit a podiatry clinic.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
An ingrown toenail can be caused due to various reasons. Some of them include:
- Trauma: If someone steps on the toe or you drop something on it, the stubbed toe can develop an ingrown nail.
- Wearing wrong footwear: Wearing shoes that are too narrow, tight, or flat for your feet increases the risk of ingrown toenails, causing nails to grow into the skin.
- Cutting toenails incorrectly: If you trim your toenails too short at the corners, it can cause the nails to grow into the exposed skin.
Apart from these, there are many other factors that cause ingrown toenails , such as poor posture, genetic predisposition, improper foot hygiene, or irregular, curved toenails. If your ingrown toenail is causing too much pain or is infected, you need to consult a podiatrist as soon as possible. Depending on the seriousness of the condition, the experts will recommend the best podiatric treatment in Mandurah or elsewhere.
Most Effective Ways to Treat an Ingrown Toenail
In most cases, ingrown toenails can be easily treated at home. However, they can sometimes cause complications and might need medical treatment. Some of the best ways to treat an ingrown toenail have been mentioned below.
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Surgical Treatment
Ingrown toenail surgery is performed under local anesthetic and involves the removal of the ingrown section of the toenail. The procedure generally takes approximately one hour.
Our podiatrists providing ingrown toenail treatment in Mandurah recommend that after the surgery, you need to maintain foot hygiene and keep your foot clean and dry at all times.
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Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many shoes have pointed toes that put too much pressure on the toes and press the nail into your toe. Hence, if you want to treat an ingrown nail, you first need to wear comfortable and low-heeled open-toed shoes or sandals. They provide enough room and also allow your toes to move freely.
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Keep the Foot Dry
When treating ingrown toenails, soaking the foot in warm water a few times every day can help reduce the swelling and relieve tenderness. However, after each soak, make sure to dry your feet properly. If the toes are wet, there’s a higher chance of developing a fungal infection.
Wrapping Up
An ingrown toenail is a common condition but can cause discomfort and severe pain, depending on the severity of the problem. So, if you are suffering from an ingrown toenail that’s hampering your day-to-day activities, you need to consult a podiatrist. Should you be looking for a clinic that provides the best ingrown toenail treatment in Mandurah, get in touch with Peel Podiatry Clinic. Our podiatrists will give you a personalized treatment plan based on your foot’s condition to aid a satisfactory procedure. To know more about the subject, you can book a consultation with the team.