Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Treatment Options, and Prevention Tips

When you visit Pivotal Foot And Ankle Surgeons, you will be under the care of Dr. Russell Grimes, Dr. Ross Bartley, and Dr. Tyler Sten. These medical professionals can help with a range of foot conditions, including ingrown toenails in St Joseph, MO, Kansas City, MO, Parkville, MO, and Platte City, MO.

What Causes an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail is a common condition in which the toenail begins to grow into the skin. It can often be painful, but isn't automatically a cause for alarm. However, the toenail can swell and become infected, leading to a more serious issue.

If you already have an underlying condition, such as diabetes, you should be more conscious of preventing ingrown toenails due to the possibility of infection. An infection may eventually lead to toe amputation in a diabetic. The causes of ingrown toenails range from improper hygiene, such as a lack of toenail clipping and improper footwear.

When you wear shoes that squish down on your toes and don't give them room to move, it can cause the nails to press down. If you suffer a foot injury or stub your toe, it can also cause the toenail to become malformed.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Ingrown Toenails?

The initial treatment for an ingrown toenail in St Joseph, MO, Kansas City, MO, Parkville, MO, and Platte City, MO, may involve soaking the toe in warm water and Epsom salt to ease swelling. You can also go to your local podiatrist, who can give you a medical pedicure and clip the toenail for you. If the toenail has become infected, your podiatrist can use topical treatments to help get rid of the infection. If the condition becomes chronic, they may need surgery to remove part or all of the toenail, so a healthy one can grow back.

How Can You Prevent Ingrown Toenails?

Prevention starts with the right shoes. Have a wide enough toe box for your toes to move around. Be careful if you work in a dangerous area, and wear protective footwear to avoid foot injuries that can damage your toes. Carefully trim the nails in a straight line across and not in a circle or other weird shapes.

Contact Our Podiatrists Near You Today

Dr. Grimes, Dr. Bartley, and Dr. Sten are the experienced team at Pivotal Foot And Ankle Surgeons. If you live in St Joseph, MO, Kansas City, MO, Parkville, MO, or Platte City, MO, with painful ingrown toenails, call 816-364-2338 today.