Why You Should Not Ignore Your Ingrown Toenail

What is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail is exactly like it sounds, the toenail is growing into the skin.  If left untreated it can become a much bigger problem then a minor irritant.  I used this picture here to show what a moderately bad ingrown toenail looks like, it can get much worse than this but definitely we have seen worse!

Causes of Ingrown Toenail:

• Trauma to the nail
• Bad pedicure
• Hereditary 
• Bad shoes(ill fitting)

Symptoms of Ingrown Toenail:

• Pain in the corner or along the side or both sides of the toenail
• Redness along the side of the toe or the whole toe in extreme cases
• Drainage yellow or blood along the sides of the toenail
• Odor to the toe
• Warmth to the toe compared to the other toes or rest of the foot

Why People Usually Come Into the Office:

• Can not wear shoes without pain
• Slightest touch hurts the toe
• Even the sheet touching the toe hurts
• Unable to play their sport without toe throbbing
• You get the idea pain is what brings people in!
  
   

How We Treat An Ingrown Toenail

• It is best to make an appointment with Dr. Henne or Dr. McGowan our podiatrists in Clermont and Leesburg Florida locations to get evaluated
• If you have an ingrown toenail many times the best procedure is the video above
  • we numb the toe
  • remove the border or borders of the toenail that are hurting
  • after the toenail border is removed we put a little medicine in the corner that stops the border of the toenail from growing ever again

  • this is by far one of our favorite procedures to perform because patients outcomes are so good

     

Why You Should Not Ignore Your Ingrown Toenail 

• Infection is the number one reason to not ignore your ingrown toenail
• If left untreated for too long the infection can spread to the blood stream or the bone
• It is not beyond the realm of  possibilities for one to lose a toe in worst case scenario

If You Are Suffering From An Ingrown Toenail or Your Child Has An Ingrown Nail

• Call The Center for Ankle and Foot Care 352-242-2502 or Book Online Here
• Prepare for your visit:
  • after the procedure we have and after care for 2 weeks so shopping for these items will make you super prepared for the aftercare
    • Epsom Salts
    • Anti-biotic Cream
    • Band-aids