A common condition in which a toenail grows into the skin adjacent to it is known as an ingrown toenail.
It is most common in adults, particularly those who wear tight-fitting shoes and almost always occurs in the big toes.
The condition is usually excruciating and causes a red, swollen lump to form around the affected toenail.
Treatment of the condition involves surgical removal of the nail and surrounding skin but can be avoided by keeping the feet clean and dry.
Unfortunately, this is a condition that is most commonly caused by wearing inappropriate footwear, such as flip-flops or high heels.
Suppose you believe you may have an ingrown toenail or feel like you may have done damage to your nail by driving or similar activities. In that case, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
What Exactly Is An Ingrown Toenail?
Ingrown toenails may be one of the most painful foot problems a person can experience, but they are also one of the most common.
Ingrown toenails happen when a toenail grows so long that it digs into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and inflammation.
This can lead to infection, which can become serious if left untreated.
Any toenail can develop ingrown nails, including:
- Fingernails
- Toenails
- Big toenail
The most common ingrown toenail is the big toenail because it is long, thin, and difficult to trim.
An ingrown toenail can be caused by several factors, including tight shoes or high arches.
The good news is that an ingrown toenail can be treated and prevented.
Common Symptoms
Ingrown toenails may cause the following symptoms:
- Pain
- Redness and swelling
- Drainage
- Odor
Home Treatment
The foot can be treated by immersion in a warm saltwater basin or a basin of soapy water, then applying a medicated cream and bandaging the site.
While this can often alleviate the symptoms, you will probably need to visit a specialist is known as a podiatrist to get proper and prolonged, lasting treatment.
When You Should Consult a Podiatrist
Consult your podiatrist if you have not improved your foot condition after attempting to treat it at home.
Often you can find one near you by searching ePodiatrists for those in your state.
You should book an appointment with a podiatrist immediately in case of any drainage or excessive redness around the toenail.
You must treat the symptom of an ingrown toenail immediately if you have diabetes or poor circulation, as ingrown toenails can lead to more severe complications.
Diagnosis
The first thing that a podiatrist will do will be to diagnose the cause correctly.
Typically, ingrown toenails can be easily diagnosed without the need for diagnostic lab work or images.
Ingrown toenails manifest quite different signs and symptoms, especially if they become infected.
Some tenderness may be noticed when the nail is pressed.
Additional symptoms suggest an ingrown toenail, such as an inflamed nail, localized redness, and swelling.
An accurate diagnosis requires monitoring all possible causes and taking account of the medical history.
An untrained eye may mistake a tumor, foreign body, trauma, and fungal infection for an ingrown toenail, which is why a diagnosis will be performed even if it looks evident as to what the problem is.
What Steps May Be Taken By The Podiatrist?
If the ingrown toenail is just at the beginning stages and hasn't degenerated too far, the podiatrist may recommend some of the steps for home treatment, as mentioned earlier.
They could also prescribe a course of antibiotics to reduce the infection and give your body time to heal.
However, if it is apparent that home remedies and antibiotics alone will not help, surgery may be the next step.
How Do Ingrown Toenails Get Treated Surgically?
Various surgical options are available to remove the nail or offending nail border permanently, temporarily, or detach it from the nail.
In the process of a matrixectomy, the cells that form the root of the nail are destroyed or removed.
A podiatrist can achieve optimal results by surgically removing part of the matrix cells, chemically or electrically, by simply destroying them.
Procedures like this are standard in chronic or recurring situations.
What Anesthesia Is Needed For In-Grown Toenail Surgery?
It is not always necessary to undergo anesthesia to remove a nail edge.
Local anesthesia is still required for the procedure known as a matrixectomy and nail avulsion.
Injections of anesthesia are made into the end of the toes and continue to work throughout the procedure.
This anesthesia minimally impairs driving or walking during the procedure since it is administered locally.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
After the procedure, the dressings are typically removed the next day.
By cleaning the wound or soaking in Epsom salts, applying an antimicrobial solution, followed by bandaging the area for one to two weeks can help prevent infection.
To avoid pressure on the toe while healing, open-toed or wide-toed shoes are recommended.
In order to ensure appropriate healing of the procedure site, the podiatrist may want you to return in a few weeks for a check-up.
How Will Your Nail Look After Surgery?
Typically, the nail looks narrower after a permanent resection (matrixectomy) than before.
The nail's overall appearance does not significantly change unless the doctor removed a large portion of it during the procedure.
The nail will likely regrow to its original shape and size if the nail matrix is not removed or cauterized.
How To Prevent This Issue
For prevention of ingrown toenails:
Toe Nails Should Be Trimmed Straight Across
You should tell your pedicurist to cut your toenails straight across if you have your toenails done in a salon.
Poor blood flow can affect your feet' health, so it is advisable to see a podiatrist for regular nail trimming if you cannot trim your nails correctly.
Maintain Moderate Toenail Length
It would help if you trimmed toenails in a way that they match the edges of your toes. Any nail that is broken may cause the nail to grow into the tissue.
Properly Fitting Shoes Are Essential
When shoes place too much pressure or pinch your toes, a nail may grow directly into the tissue.
A properly fitted and well-maintained pair of shoes from a store specializing in providing people with foot problems is advisable.
Protective Footwear Is Recommended
Put on protective footwear like steel-toed shoes if your work could cause you to get a foot injury.
Regularly Check Your Feet
Look for ingrown toenails or other issues with your feet daily. This is beneficial to keep an eye on additional feet-related concerns as well.
If you have ever had an ingrown toenail, you know how much of a painful condition it is, and all you can think about is how to get it treated quickly.
It can be hard to decide where to go, who to see, or even the best treatment.
Many times, even the doctor's office staff is unsure what treatment to recommend.
A podiatrist should be the first port of call as they specialize in feet-related issues.
They are experts in diagnosing and treating ingrown toenails and will advise you on home treatments if it is not so severe or perform surgery if it is.
