Ingrown toenails are a common condition that affects about 20% of people who visit their doctor for foot problems. Often, this condition causes discomfort that can interfere with daily life — including your ability to exercise or work without pain.
While ingrown toenails can affect anyone, certain individuals, particularly those with specific health concerns, may find the condition especially bothersome. For elderly individuals and those living with diabetes, the implications of an ingrown toenail can be more serious — requiring specialized diabetic foot care and additional steps to prevent complications.
Read on to gain insights on how to effectively manage this condition, and when to seek care from the top podiatrist in El Monte for treatment.
How to Tell if You Have an Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of your nail grows into the surrounding skin — causing pain, redness, and swelling. Common ingrown toenail symptoms include tenderness, redness, or swelling around the affected nail, particularly at the corners.
You may also experience pain when pressure is applied to the toe. In some cases, you might notice pus or drainage from the area of the ingrown toenail if an infection has developed. The skin around the nail may also feel warm to the touch and appear inflamed. If left untreated, the area may become increasingly painful and difficult to walk on.
Easing the Pain of an Ingrown Toenail at Home
In mild cases of ingrown toenails, you may be able to find relief with some simple home remedies. These may be particularly helpful in providing relief while waiting for your podiatry appointment:
- To reduce swelling and discomfort, soak the affected foot in warm water with Epsom salt for 15-20 minutes, three to four times daily.
- Wear loose-fitting shoes or sandals to avoid pressure on the affected toe.
- Use a small piece of cotton or dental floss to gently lift the edge of the nail, encouraging it to grow over the skin instead of into it.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain and inflammation.
Proper foot hygiene and trimming toenails straight across are very important to prevent future ingrown nails. Diabetics and the elderly should consider having their toenails cared for by a podiatrist to avoid ingrown toenails and other foot conditions.
When to See a Podiatrist for an Ingrown Toenail
In many cases, treatment from a podiatrist is necessary for lasting relief from ingrown toenails. You should also seek professional help if you experience severe pain, significant swelling, redness that spreads beyond the toe, or signs of infection such as pus, warmth, or fever. People with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or poor circulation should consult a podiatrist immediately upon noticing any ingrown toenail symptoms, as they are at higher risk for complications.
Additionally, if you have a history of recurrent ingrown toenails or if the condition is affecting your daily activities, a podiatrist can provide more advanced treatment options and preventive measures. You should never attempt to cut out the ingrown toenail yourself, as this can lead to infection and additional complications.
Diabetic Complications of Ingrown Toenails
Diabetic patients face increased risks and potential complications from ingrown toenails due to their compromised immune systems and reduced blood flow to their feet which leads to reduced sensation in the feet. Poor circulation and nerve damage associated with diabetes — called neuropathy — can mask pain, allowing an ingrown toenail to worsen unnoticed. This can lead to severe infections, including cellulitis or even a serious bone infection called osteomyelitis.
Diabetics are also more susceptible to bacterial infections and slow-healing wounds, which can develop into foot ulcers if left untreated. In extreme cases, untreated infections from ingrown toenails in diabetic patients can lead to tissue death — also called gangrene — which usually requires amputation of the foot. Given these serious risks, diabetics should seek immediate professional care for any foot issues, including ingrown toenails, and maintain seeing a podiatrist for regular diabetic foot care to prevent such problems from developing.
Where to Find the Best Ingrown Toenail Treatment in El Monte
While home remedies can provide temporary relief, consulting a podiatrist for tailored treatment can significantly expedite healing and prevent the recurrence of ingrown toenails.
Dr. Brittany Nguyen is a highly regarded foot specialist committed to delivering cutting-edge podiatric solutions customized to each individual's specific condition.
Her patient-centered philosophy and expertise in treating ingrown toenails and other foot ailments distinguish Dr. Nguyen and her team at Mountain View Foot and Ankle Care from other practices. From diabetic foot care to ingrown toenails, Dr. Nguyen and her team are committed to providing the highest-quality medical care in a warm and welcoming environment.
Ready to put an end to ingrown toenail pain with the best podiatrist for ingrown toenail treatment in El Monte?
