Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
- posted: Jul. 29, 2024
If you suffer from ingrown toenails in Boise, Nampa/Caldwell, and Meridian, ID, you want help with the pain. Dr. Ryan Kemp, Dr. Kerry Anderson, and Dr. Boyd Andrews of Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates can help.
Sometimes, the ingrown toenail is annoying but not very painful. Unfortunately, if infection sets in, the pain can be severe and debilitating, and you’ll need to see a foot doctor. Anyone of any age can get ingrown toenails, but some children and teens are prone to them frequently.
The Main Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails in Boise, Nampa/Caldwell, and Meridian, ID, happen when the skin on one or both sides of the toenail grows over the nail, or the nail itself grows into the skin. Ingrown toenails may be hereditary in that the shape or size of the toenails can be such that you are prone to developing them. It can also be the way that you are cutting your toenails. You should cut them straight across and not taper them into the sides.
Wearing shoes that are too short or tight can also cause ingrown toenails. Trauma to the toe, like stubbing, can also result in an ingrown toenail.
Treatment of Ingrown Toenails
Once you have developed an ingrown toenail, you must soak your feet in warm water a few times a day. You should also wear loose shoes in the toe box so they don’t pressure your toe. If possible, wearing sandals is ideal. You may want to take some OTC pain medication. If you do not see any improvement, call your podiatrist.
If infection has set in, then surgery is likely the best option. Ingrown toenail surgery is done in the office under local anesthesia. There are several options regarding surgery for your ingrown toenail: partial nail removal or complete nail removal with or without the nailbed.
If the growth area is removed, the nail will not grow back. Follow with antibiotics, and your problem should be solved.
Ingrown Toenail Prevention
Preventing ingrown toenails requires that you trim your toenails carefully and always straight across. If you are prone to ingrown toenails, you should soak your feet frequently, and when the nails are soft, move them so that they will not grow into the flesh. Try not to wear shoes that are too tight or too short.
Contact Us Today
Contact Dr. Kemp, Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Andrews of Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates when you need treatment for your ingrown toenails in Boise, Nampa/Caldwell, and Meridian, ID. Call us at (208) 327-0627 for the Boise office, (208) 463-1660 for our Nampa/Caldwell location, and (208) 888-9876 for the Meridian office.
- posted: Jul. 29, 2024
If you suffer from ingrown toenails in Boise, Nampa/Caldwell, and Meridian, ID, you want help with the pain. Dr. Ryan Kemp, Dr. Kerry Anderson, and Dr. Boyd Andrews of Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates can help.
Sometimes, the ingrown toenail is annoying but not very painful. Unfortunately, if infection sets in, the pain can be severe and debilitating, and you’ll need to see a foot doctor. Anyone of any age can get ingrown toenails, but some children and teens are prone to them frequently.
The Main Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails in Boise, Nampa/Caldwell, and Meridian, ID, happen when the skin on one or both sides of the toenail grows over the nail, or the nail itself grows into the skin. Ingrown toenails may be hereditary in that the shape or size of the toenails can be such that you are prone to developing them. It can also be the way that you are cutting your toenails. You should cut them straight across and not taper them into the sides.
Wearing shoes that are too short or tight can also cause ingrown toenails. Trauma to the toe, like stubbing, can also result in an ingrown toenail.
Treatment of Ingrown Toenails
Once you have developed an ingrown toenail, you must soak your feet in warm water a few times a day. You should also wear loose shoes in the toe box so they don’t pressure your toe. If possible, wearing sandals is ideal. You may want to take some OTC pain medication. If you do not see any improvement, call your podiatrist.
If infection has set in, then surgery is likely the best option. Ingrown toenail surgery is done in the office under local anesthesia. There are several options regarding surgery for your ingrown toenail: partial nail removal or complete nail removal with or without the nailbed.
If the growth area is removed, the nail will not grow back. Follow with antibiotics, and your problem should be solved.
Ingrown Toenail Prevention
Preventing ingrown toenails requires that you trim your toenails carefully and always straight across. If you are prone to ingrown toenails, you should soak your feet frequently, and when the nails are soft, move them so that they will not grow into the flesh. Try not to wear shoes that are too tight or too short.
Contact Us Today
Contact Dr. Kemp, Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Andrews of Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates when you need treatment for your ingrown toenails in Boise, Nampa/Caldwell, and Meridian, ID. Call us at (208) 327-0627 for the Boise office, (208) 463-1660 for our Nampa/Caldwell location, and (208) 888-9876 for the Meridian office.