An ingrown toenail is a relatively common condition of the foot in which the side of a toenail essentially grows awkwardly into the skin surrounding the nail. This can cause great irritation and inflammation. Patients who seek help from a podiatrist for relief are in the best hands because this type of doctor can treat the condition. It can also be recommend the patient develop certain habits at home to facilitate the healing process. For example, depending on the specific case, it may be suggested by the podiatrist that you begin soaking the feet. This may be done in any number of ways. Specifically, the podiatrist may advise that you soak your feet in warm, soapy water.  Additionally, the  podiatrist may suggest to soak the feet in apple cider vinegar combined with warm water. If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, please contact a podiatrist today for treatment. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Henry Miller of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Freehold, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.