Generally speaking, an ingrown toenail is a relatively straightforward foot problem. As the name implies, it occurs when part of the toenail grows into the tissue surrounding it.
It’s also a common problem, and the reason two in 10 people see a doctor for a foot issue.
So, when does an ingrown toenail warrant medical attention?
The team at Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists provide award-winning podiatry care at each of their locations in Bradenton, University Park, and Ellenton, Florida.
In this blog, they offer insight into this common problem and when it’s time to schedule an appointment.
Ingrown toenails can develop on any of your digits. However, they occur most frequently on the big toe. The leading causes are fairly simple — improper nail trimming and poorly fitting shoes.
Basically, when you cut a toenail too short or add a tapered curve across the top, it makes it easier for the nail to start growing into the tender flesh around it.
Wearing shoes that put too much pressure on your toes cause a similar problem because they press the nail into the surrounding tissue.
When an ingrown toenail starts to develop, they cause tell-tale symptoms that are hard to ignore.
In most cases, the first sign of trouble involves pain along the side of the nail. It’s also common to have tenderness, redness, and swelling in the affected area.
If you catch an ingrown toenail early enough, you can sometimes find relief with home care treatments, such as:
However, if your symptoms worsen, don’t improve within two to three days, or you have a medical condition that puts your feet at risk, it’s time to see an expert.
Though an ingrown toenail may seem like a minor inconvenience, they’re also prone to infection. When this occurs, it’s common for symptoms to worsen, spread, or include oozing pus or blood.
An infected ingrown toenail can also require oral antibiotics, along with surgical intervention.
When you have a health condition like diabetes or circulation problems, you should seek expert care immediately for an ingrown toenail — or any issues involving your feet.
These conditions increase a person’s chances of serious complications, even something that seems as inconsequential as an ingrown toenail. That’s because they interfere with blood flow to the feet, which makes it harder for your body to heal and fight infection.
Conditions like diabetes can also lead to nerve damage, making it harder to feel a foot problem at the earliest stages. Unfortunately, this increases the chances of a minor issue becoming a more serious one.
Whether you have diabetes or not, an infected ingrown toenail can spread to the bone without treatment. This can cause a bone infection and increased risk of serious health complications, including gangrene and amputation.
Fortunately, you can often avoid ingrown toenails by clipping nails straight across, wearing shoes with plenty of room, and keeping a close eye on your feet for signs of an issue.
If you do have a medical condition like diabetes, schedule regular diabetic foot care appointments with one of our experts at Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists.
Do you have a painful ingrown toenail? Contact our office in Bradenton, University Park, or Ellenton, Florida, by phone or online to schedule a consultation today.
