Patients develop ingrown toenails mainly when the edges of nails grow into the adjacent skin. The big toe is the most susceptible to this condition. Although there are home remedies to correct the symptoms of ingrown toenails Pico Robertson, Beverly Hills, medical intervention is the best way to eliminate any complications that might develop.

What causes ingrown toenails?

Your doctor will perform a comprehensive physical exam to determine the cause of your Ingrown toenails. The following are the main causes of ingrown toenails:

• Sweaty feet: This problem mainly affects teenagers.
• Thickened toenails: Toenail thickening is a result of aging. Older patients are more likely to develop ingrown toenails due to this cause.
• Incorrect toenail hygiene: Maintaining short nails is the best way to prevent this condition. Cut your nails straight across without angling the sides to minimize the risk of ingrown toenails.
• Inappropriate shoewear: it would be best to wear fitting shoes. Shoes with increased pressure on the toes cause the development of ingrown toenails. Avoiding tight socks can also minimize your risk of developing this condition.
• Injury: Toenail injury from dropping heavy objects on your toes or knowing over a hard surface can cause ingrown toenails.
• Genetic predispositions: Patients with a history of ingrown toenails can develop the disease.
• Athletic activities: Extensive foot use during athletic activities involving putting pressure on your feet enhances your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?

Most patients with ingrown toenails experience pain that limits their mobility. Early recognition of your ingrown toenail can promote emergency treatment eliminating your risk of complications. The initial symptoms of ingrown toenails include:

• Swelling and hardening of the skin surrounding the ingrown toenail
• Pain following pressure to the foot
• Edema in the affected toe

Failure to receive early treatment for your ingrown toenail will cause the development of a toe infection. Patients in advanced stages of ingrown toenails include:

• Swelling and redness in the skin
• Bleeding
• Pain
• Hardening of the skin around the infection
• Oozing pus

How do doctors diagnose ingrown toenails?

An accurate diagnosis of your ingrown toenails will promote the development of appropriate treatment to eliminate symptoms. Your doctor will conduct a comprehensive physical exam of your feet to recognize complications. Imaging technology is necessary to help your doctor determine the severity of your condition. An x-ray will determine the depth of your ingrown toenail and the root cause of your condition.

What are the treatment options for ingrown toenails?

Patients without infected ingrown toenails can benefit from home remedies, which include:

• Soaking your feet in warm water for about half an hour daily
• Using over-the-counter medications
• Applying topical antibiotic

You may need medical intervention if you notice signs of infection due to your ingrown toenail. Your doctor may perform partial nail removal to eliminate the part of your nail pushing through your skin. Total nail removal, a procedure called matrixectomy, is necessary to address ingrown toenails due to thickening. Contact Eazy Foot & Ankle to discuss your situation with a specialist about your symptoms, determine the best treatment for your ingrown toenail, and eliminate the symptoms that may be limiting your mobility.