Ingrown Toenail

Signs and symptoms of an ingrown nail may include pain, redness, swelling and possibly pus coming out. This usually occurs on the side of one of the big toes; it may however occur at another location or toe.
 
Causes of ingrown toenails may be for various reasons. In many people, the tendency to have this common disorder is inherited.  
In other cases, an ingrown toenail is the result of trauma, such as stubbing your toe, having an object fall on your toe, or engaging in activities that involve repeated pressure on the toes, such as
kicking or running.  

The most common cause of ingrown toenails is improper trimming.  Cutting your nails too short encourages the skin next
to the nail fold to go over the nail. Another cause of ingrown
toenails is wearing shoes that are too tight or too short. Certain
nail conditions are often associated with ingrown toenails.  For example if you have the toenail fungus or you have lost the nail through trauma you are at greater risk for developing an ingrown toenail with an infection.  
 
Treatment for ingrown toenails may initially be performed safely
at home.  Soaking your foot in warm water with that some Epsom salt, while pulling this skin away from the nail may allow the infection to drain and exit.  Filing for lifting the corner of the nail
may also be helpful.  Repeated cutting of the nail will cause the condition to worsen over time.
 
Physician treatment is highly recommended if the condition
persists for over a week or two. If you have a medical condition
that puts your feet at high risk such as diabetes, poor circulation, hypertension or any immune deficiency, it is highly recommended that you see the podiatrist at once. Treatment in our office will include the use of antibiotics and a simple in office procedure
to remove the ingrown portion of the nail.