Podiatrists treat conditions such as arthritis, nail and skin conditions, cysts, corn, calluses, and warts. Congenital deformities such as clubfoot are commonly treated conditions, as are Ingrown Toenails Treatment in Racine WI. The following is information on ingrown toenails:
- What is an Ingrown Toenail? -; A condition that occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the flesh or skin. The big toe is the one most commonly affected. No one is immune to ingrown toenails although they do occur primarily in adults, particularly those with thick or curved nails.
- What Are the Causes? -; There are a few known factors that lead to ingrown toenails. Trimming the nail too short or curving the edge of it when trimming can contribute to it growing into the skin rather than over it. Other identified causes are wearing shoes or socks that are too tight as the constant pressure forces the nail into the skin. Blunt trauma, dropping a heavy object, or someone stepping on the toe, may lead to an ingrown toenail.
- What are the Symptoms? -; At the onset, the area may be swollen, hard, and sensitive to being touched. The entire toe may swell and become extremely sore. The tissue may become infected as evidence by the presence of pus.
- Home Treatments -; Soaking the foot in warm water for 15 minutes two or three times daily may help reduce swelling and pain. Wedging a piece of dental floss under the affected nail and replacing daily until the nails grow out to where it can be trimmed may help. If home remedies fail to help seek medical help at Greatlakesfootankle.com because if left untreated, it may lead to serious bone infections.
- Medical Treatment -; Ingrown Toenails Treatment in Racine Wi by a podiatrist, may involve lifting the affected toenail and placing cotton or dental floss underneath it. This will be done for toenails that are not infected (no pus). For infected or severe cases of ingrown toenails, the physician may either trim or remove a portion of the toenail., after numbing the toe with an injection.
The chance of developing an ingrown toenail can be reduced by trimming the nail straight across and wearing properly fitting shoes, especially in the toes. Keep the nails trimmed such that they are even with the tip of the toe. Inspect your feet daily for signs of ingrown nails.
