Ingrown toenails may seem like minor issues, but if not treated, they can cause excruciating pain and increase your risk of infections. The Eazy Foot & Ankle specialists treat ingrown toenails Pico Robertson, Beverly Hills using minimally invasive surgeries and antibiotics to prevent infections and alleviate pain.
Signature symptoms of ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails is a foot disorder in which the side or corner of your toenail grows into the toe’s soft flesh. It can result in skin inflammation, swelling, excruciating pain, and in some cases, infection. Many people can alleviate the symptoms with home remedies. In most cases, soaking your feet in water for approximately 15 minutes before trimming your toenails softens the nails, making them easier to manage. However, if the pain spreads to the rest of your toe or becomes severe, inform your healthcare provider to avoid future complications. Anyone can get an ingrown toenail; however, some people are at a higher risk, including those with diabetes, poor blood circulation, severe nerve damage in the foot or leg, or an infection around the toenail.
Factors contributing to the development of ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails can occur regardless of your age. Research, however, shows that people with sweaty feet, especially teenagers, are more likely to get ingrown toenails. Older people may also have a higher risk because as people age, their toenails thicken. Irregularly cutting your nails can also lead to ingrown toenails. Stockings that are too tight and shoes that are too narrow or don’t fit well may also increase your risk. Studies also show that athletic activities that require you to use your feet extensively can make you prone to ingrown toenails. Sports such as kickboxing, ballet, football, and soccer can exert extreme pressure on your toenails, damaging them.
Diagnostic techniques for ingrown toenails
During your appointment at Eazy Foot & Ankle, the specialists discuss your symptoms and perform a comprehensive exam. Your provider may inspect the foot closely to determine the cause of your discomfort. If the skin around your toenail is swollen, warm, red, and tender or growing over the nail, they may diagnose you with an ingrown toenail. The team rarely uses X-rays and other advanced tests to diagnose ingrown toenails unless you have a severe infection.
How to treat an ingrown toenail
If your ingrown toenail is in its first stages, you can treat it with home remedies. Soaking your feet in warm water softens your toenails, alleviating the pain. You can also use over-the-counter pain medications to improve your symptoms. However, if your ingrown toenail doesn’t improve with home remedies, inform the Eazy Foot & Ankle team for medical care. In severe cases, Dr. Elhiani may recommend surgery to remove the ingrown toenail. During the procedure, he uses local anesthesia to numb your toe. He may remove the whole nail to prevent ingrown toenails in the future. Afterward, your provider applies antifungal medication on the surgical site before wrapping a bandage around the toe.
Call Dr. Elhiani or use the online scheduling button to create an appointment if you have a painful ingrown toenail.
