Podiatrist in Plano, TX: Watch Out for Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be extremely painful, unsightly, and even become infected if left untreated. You may be in pain or embarrassed by the appearance of an ingrown toenail. However, there are treatments available for this condition, so you don’t have to hide your feet or suffer in pain! Our podiatrist in Plano, TX, explains more about ingrown toenails here.

Early Treatment

Some ingrown toenails are mild enough to treat at home, but there are cases of severe ingrown toenails as well. This is a problem for individuals with diabetes, since the ingrown toenail might not be noticed at first and lead to a serious infection. Keep an eye out for changes in your nails and come to our office at the first signs – we can help you get the best treatment possible to prevent complications and heal quickly.

Causes & Symptoms

There are a few causes of ingrown toenails, such as:

Cutting your toenail too short
Trauma, such as a stubbed toe, can also cause the nail to grow inward
Rounding the edge of the nail
Wearing ill-fitting shoes or socks
Shoes that are too tight, pressing your nail into your toe
Repeating an activity that injuries the nail, such as kicking a soccer ball

Pain from the nail growing into the skin instead of over it is the main symptom of an ingrown toenail. It may swell, become red, or drain pus if it becomes infected. Our podiatrist will perform an exam to diagnose an ingrown toenail and recommend proper treatment.

Treatments & Complications

It’s possible to heal mild cases with conservative, at-home treatments. Try these steps to relieve pain and help the nail to grow out:

Soak the affected toe in warm water 2 – 3 times daily.
If you develop pus, do not use a needle to drain it. This will make the infection worse.
Put a small piece of wet cotton ball under the corner of your ingrown nail to lift the nail off the skin.
Soak your toe and change the piece of cotton daily.
Do not dig under your nail with sharp objects – this can cause infection.

While your ingrown toenail is healing, wear comfortable shoes or sandals that do not press on your toe. If you have any further problems or the toenail doesn’t heal on its own, contact our podiatrist immediately. It’s critical to treat this condition to avoid infection or other foot problems.

Contact Our Podiatrist in Plano, TX, Today To Learn More!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about hammertoe and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Dallas Podiatry Works, with a convenient podiatry office in Plano, TX, by calling 972.564.8556 or by clicking here.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.