What Can I Do About an Ingrown Toenail?

Usually, foot pain results from blisters, hammertoes, or other ailments, but toenails can also cause intense discomfort. When toenails become ingrown, they can leave you feeling so sore you dread putting on shoes. And if left unattended, ingrown toenails can lead to infection.
The experts at Idaho Foot and Ankle Associates in Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID, can help you prevent and treat ingrown toenails so you can put your best foot forward.

What can cause an ingrown toenail?

• Foot injury
• Fungal infection
• Nails trimmed too short or unevenly
• Wearing too small or narrow shoes or high heels

What are the signs of an ingrown toenail?

In addition to being painful, an ingrown toenail will likely be red, inflamed, and sore. You may see the nail has become partially hidden under the skin on the toe, or notice pus around the toenail.

How can I treat an ingrown toenail?

At-home remedies such as soaking the toe in warm water several times a day can offer relief by softening the skin and allowing the nail to better heal. Visit our office in Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID, if your ingrown toenail is extremely painful or appears infected. We may prescribe an antibiotic to speed up the healing process. In severe cases, we might advise surgery to remove the ingrown part of the nail. Do not attempt any home remedies if you are diabetic and visit your podiatrists for help.

What can I do to prevent ingrown toenails?

• Wear properly fitting shoes with adequate cushioning
• Clip toenails straight across, including at the corners
• Do not cut toenails below the white tip
• Keep feet clean and dry
• Do not file toenails to angle
• Wear protective footwear during exercise, sports, or other activities in which your feet could become hurt

If ingrown toenails are causing you pain in Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID, Idaho Foot and Ankle Associates can help. Call us at (208) 327-0627, (208) 463-1660, or (208) 888-9876 to schedule an appointment.