Ingrown Toenail Specialist
Ingrown toenails can be an annoyance as they cause pain, irritation, and sometimes even infection. It is important to practice good daily foot care to avoid the frustration caused by this foot condition. The Total Foot Care Podiatry & Wound Clinic can help people in Jacksonville, Florida suffering from ingrown toenails.
Ingrown Toenail Q&A
What is an ingrown toenail?
When the nail of the toe grows into the flesh, it creates an ingrown toenail. This is a very common complaint and can usually be treated at home. Typical symptoms of an ingrown toenail include pain or tenderness along the nail, redness near the nail, and swelling on top of the toe. If there are additional symptoms, or you notice something more aggressive such as pus draining or redness and swelling of more than just the tip of your toe, you might have an infection. If this is the case, you should visit Total Foot Care & Wellness Clinic immediately.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails can be caused by a number of different reasons. They can result from wearing shoes that crowd your toes causing your nails to grow improperly. Maybe you have sustained an injury to your nail. One of the most common reasons for a nail to grow into your skin is because you cut it incorrectly. It is very important to take care of your feet daily to keep them from harm. This becomes even more important if you have diabetes, as you are at a higher risk of developing an infection, which can be very dangerous for a diabetic.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
If the ingrown toenail is not severe, a piece of the nail can be trimmed back gently. The most common form of medical treatment for moderate to severe ingrown toenails involves injecting a numbing agent into the toe and then removing the affecting portion of the nail that has become ingrown by one of our experienced Podiatrists. The procedure requires no incisions or stitches. Patients walk immediately after the procedure and experience little to no pain after the procedure. Patients typically continue to wear their normal shoes as the area heals. If you feel anxious or have a fear of needles, we offer alternative nail procedures that are performed in an operating room setting to accommodate fear of injections and feelings of anxiety. Make an appointment today to discuss your treatment options.