When To See a Podiatrist for Ingrown Toenails

Receive treatment for ingrown toenails in Lockport, NY and Williamsville, NY, after consulting Dr. Jason White of Podiatry Solutions of WNY.

Is It Time for You to Seek Ingrown Toenail Treatment From a Podiatrist?

Ingrown toenails are common conditions that involve the side of a nail growing into surrounding flesh. You may develop ingrown toenails due to incorrect trimming. Traumatic injuries can also cause ingrown toenails. Wearing tight shoes all the time can also force your toenails to burrow into your flesh.

Regardless of how your ingrown toenails develop, you will now have to deal with their troublesome symptoms. The most common symptoms of ingrown toenails are pain and swelling near the area where the toenail has grown into your flesh. The pain and swelling caused by the ingrown toenail may also affect your ability to move.

So, when does an ingrown toenail go from a condition you can manage to one that warrants the involvement of a podiatrist?

For starters, consulting a podiatrist should always be your priority if you have an ingrown toenail and diabetes. The combination of ingrown toenails and diabetes can lead to ulcers. Your foot issues may also not recover because of your underlying condition.

You should also schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if your ingrown toenails have become infected. The signs that your toenails have become infected include the presence of pus and bleeding.

If you catch your ingrown toenails early, you can prevent them from getting worse by soaking them in warm water. Wearing shoes that don’t crowd your feet can also alleviate your symptoms. Unfortunately, those home remedies may not work. You should consult a podiatrist if that happens.

Schedule treatment for ingrown toenails in Lockport, NY Williamsville, NY, after speaking to Dr. White of Podiatry Solutions WNY.

How Do Podiatrists Treat Ingrown Toenails?

The appropriate treatment for an ingrown toenail depends on the severity of the condition. If your ingrown toenail isn’t too bad, your podiatrist may tell you to change your shoes and avoid getting your feet wet. They may also prescribe pain-relieving medication until your toe starts to heal.

In cases where conservative treatments no longer work, your podiatrist may opt for surgery. They may start by lifting your affected toenail and placing a splint under it. Lifting your toenail and supporting it with a splint can normalize its growth.

For more severe cases, podiatrists may recommend removing portions of the toenail. They may even remove some of the tissue in your nail bed to prevent your ingrown toenails from recurring.

Dr. White of Podiatry Solutions WNY offers treatment for ingrown toenails in Lockport, NY, and Williamsville, NY. Call (716) 634-5993 for their Williamsville office or (716) 434-6601 for their Lockport location.