Ingrown toenails can be painful and disruptive, affecting one’s daily activities. Seeking timely treatment from a podiatrist can alleviate discomfort and prevent complications. In this ingrown toenail treatment guide, we’ll delve into the methods podiatrists employ to effectively treat ingrown toenails.
Understanding Ingrown Toenails:
Before exploring treatment options, it’s crucial to understand what an ingrown toenail is. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Several factors contribute to ingrown toenails, including improper nail trimming, trauma, wearing ill-fitting shoe and most commonly genetics.
When a patient presents with an ingrown toenail, the podiatrist begins by conducting a thorough examination. This involves assessing the severity of the ingrown toenail, identifying any signs of infection, and understanding the patient’s medical history and lifestyle factors that may contribute to the condition.
Treatment Options:
1. Conservative Measures:
– Soaking: Soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water can help soften the skin and reduce inflammation, making it easier to manipulate the toenail.
– Proper Nail Trimming: The podiatrist may demonstrate proper nail trimming techniques to prevent further ingrowth.
– Antibiotics: If there are signs of infection, the podiatrist may prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection.
2. Partial Nail Avulsion (Partial Nail Removal)
In cases where conservative measures fail or the ingrown toenail is severe, a partial nail avulsion may be recommended. There are two types of partial nail avulsions-with or without phenol. For reoccurring ingrown toenails chemical matrixectomy with phenol is recommended.
Both of these procedures involve an injection with local anesthesia, removing a portion of the toenail, the ingrown edge.
For the chemical matrixectomy phenol is then applied to the root of the nail, giving the ingrown border of the toenail 95% chance of never reoccurring again. This procedure is quick and relatively painless, offering long-term relief.
3. Total Nail Avulsion (Total Nail Removal):
– For recurrent ingrown toenails or severe cases, total nail avulsion may be necessary. This involves the complete removal of the toenail under local anesthesia. While this may sound daunting, it’s a highly effective solution for persistent ingrown toenails.
Aftercare:
Following any procedure, the podiatrist will provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing and prevent complications. This may include keeping the area clean and dry, applying an antibiotic ointment, wearing comfortable footwear, and avoiding activities that put pressure on the toe.
Preventive Measures:
To prevent ingrown toenails from recurring, the podiatrist may offer advice on proper nail care, including trimming nails straight across, wearing well-fitting shoes, avoiding tight hosiery, and maintaining good foot hygiene.
Conclusion:
Ingrown toenails can be painful and disruptive, prompt intervention from our podiatrist at Gauld Foot and Ankle will help alleviate and resolve the pain. Whether through conservative measures or surgical intervention, podiatrists have a range of options to address ingrown toenails and restore comfort and function to the affected toe. Remember, early intervention is key to preventing complications and achieving optimal outcomes. If you’re experiencing discomfort or suspect an ingrown toenail, don’t hesitate to make an appointment at gauldfootandankle.com