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Our Podiatrist In Scarborough, ME Can Help With Your Ingrown Toenails

INGROWN TOENAILS

Experts debate the necessity of nails in our modern life. Fingernails can help to grasp objects, but the nails down by your feet don’t seem to really have much use anymore. If anything, they merely provide an avenue for conditions like fungal infections and ingrown toenails. No matter what value they may or may not bring, it is important to address nail problems when they arise.

Ingrown Nail Symptoms

An ingrown toenail condition is marked by the side or corner of a nail growing into the soft flesh that surrounds it. This can lead to such symptoms as pain, swelling, redness, and even a potential infection. Whereas this condition can technically happen to any of the toes, it is most likely to be experienced by the big toe. In the event that you notice pus or redness that spreads, or are having severe pain in the area, it is important to make an appointment with our office for the professional treatment you need.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

There are several common causes for nails that become ingrown, including:

• Improper nail trimming – Patients who trim their nails too short or round them off have a greater rate of ingrown toenail occurrence than do those who clip them straight and keep the nails even with the edge of their toes.

• Ill-fitting footwear – Shoes that fit poorly create or contribute to a host of issues, including this one. Footwear that is too tight crowd the toes together, which makes it more likely that ingrowing will take place.

• Physical trauma – Dropping something heavy onto your foot increases your risk of developing this condition.

• Inherited structure – Nails that are unusually curved are more likely to become ingrown than those that feature a more typical shape

Ingrown Toenail Treatment

The best place to start treating your painful nails is with home care. Here’s what to do for ingrown toenails:

Preventing Ingrown Nails

Prevention is much better than having to treat a condition, especially when the steps are relatively easy and straightforward. For ingrown nails, this entails: 

• Proper nail trimming – Always clip your nails straight across, instead of rounding them off, and keep them even with the edge of the toes.

• Footwear that fits – When buying shoes for yourself or loved ones, make sure they are not tight in the front and have enough room that toes can wiggle freely.

• Protect your feet – If your job requires frequently moving heavy items, invest in a pair of safety shoes or steel-tipped work boots

When home treatment is insufficient, professional treatment options can include lifting the nail, partial nail removal and, for recurring cases, even removing the affected nail and tissue altogether.

Ingrown Toenail Care in Scarborough, ME

If you require professional care for a problem case of ingrown toenails, contact Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center our friendly staff is here to help.