Are you suffering from pain in your big toe then perhaps the issue is an ingrown toenail. This is a condition when the corners or the side of the nail are deeply embedded into the skin next to it. This condition usually affects the big toe, which may result in pain, swelling, or redness on and around the big toe.
Initially, this might seem to be a minor issue, but if not taken properly, ingrown toenails can even need to be operated in which a portion or the entire toenail has to be removed. This might limit your movement and activities for a week or two. Hence, it is advised not to ignore this condition and meet a good podiatrist as soon as you experience any of the symptoms of an ingrown nail. Most podiatrists recommend laser treatment procedures for treating the problem of ingrown toenails as it has less downtime recovery and also prevents the condition to reoccur.
Best podiatry clinic in Orange County
Dr. Sima Soltani’s Podiatry clinic in Irvine, Orange County California specializes in providing the best treatment for improving health through preventive care and recommended treatments related to any kind of foot and ankle problem. The clinic offers ingrown toenail laser treatment that allows them to use specialized treatment with their FDA-approved laser devices. Dr.Sima Soltani has an experience of more than 20 years and specializes in non-surgical treatments in treating patients with foot trauma. Consider making an appointment with their podiatrist in Irvine to get the most reliable and cost-effective treatment for your foot and ankle problem.
When do you need to visit a podiatrist?
You need to schedule a podiatrist appointment without any delay if the symptoms don’t disappear immediately. The following symptoms could mean your ingrown toenail problem is getting worse and you need to get a laser ingrown toenail treatment by a podiatrist.
- Persistent pain even without applying pressure on the foot.
- Just touching the toe causes pain.
- Swelling and enlargement in the toe.
- The skin around the toe is warm to the touch.
- Drainage is a common symptom of an infection.
Reasons for ingrown toenails and preventing it
It is mainly our habits that are the main cause of most of the podiatric issues that we need to check.
Avoid cutting nails in a u-shaped curved
You might want to trim your nails to make a u-shaped curve which if done incorrectly might lead to an ingrown toenail. It is advised to cut the nail straight across to prevent an ingrown nail.
Wear proper footwear
We are most tempted to wear stylish, pointed, and high-heeled shoes but such footwear forces our foot into an uncomfortable, cramped position which causes pressure and friction and results in an ingrown toenail. It is advised to wear shoes with a wide bed and preferably low heels so that your foot does not have to bear the pressure and remains healthy.
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Ways of treating an ingrown toenail
Podiatrists usually follow these ways to treat an ingrown toenail.
Taking out the nail
For nails that are only slightly ingrown, the pain can be reduced by gently lifting the edge of the ingrowing nail and separating it from the underlying skin. The nail is then kept away from the skin using cotton, dental floss, or a splint so that it can grow above the skin’s edge.
Removing the nail partially
If your ingrown toenail has swollen, become red, painful, and filled with pus then your podiatrist may choose to remove a part of the affected nail. A local anesthetic may be applied to numb your toe during the procedure while your nail is removed.
Removing the nail and tissue by laser method
For most of us, an ingrown toenail can be avoided by simply taking good care of our feet. However, if an ingrown toenail keeps repeating on the same toe then it might be a persistent chronic issue. In such circumstances, your podiatrist might suggest an ingrown toenail laser treatment procedure to remove both the nail and the surrounding affected tissues.
Irrespective of whichever procedure your podiatrist suggests for your ingrown toenail problem, the best way to avoid this problem is to take care of your foot. Our foot sends signals to relieve pressure on it. Paying heed to the warning signals would help you keep your feet healthy.