Ingrown toenails can cause severe discomfort and pain, making it difficult to carry out your normal tasks and live your everyday life. This is caused by the toenail growing into the surrounding skin, which can cause swelling, pain, and in some cases infections. This article will give you vital information about the disease and how expert therapy can assist. We’ll look at what ingrown toenails are, why they happen, and what treatments are available.
What Causes Ingrown Toe Nails?
Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. Common causes include poor nail trimming, tight footwear, and injuries. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can become more serious, resulting in chronic pain, and recurring infections. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to worsening condition, such as:
– Chronic Pain: Repeated or severe cases can cause ongoing pain making daily activities such as walking, working or social interactions difficult. This can affect your overall quality of life and your emotional well-being and lead to depression and frustration.
– Nail Deformity: Ignoring you ingrown toenails can cause changes in nail growth patterns like permanent nail deformity. An example of this is the nail curving abnormally or becoming distorted. In some cases, nail deformities can become permanent and require medical intervention to correct.
– Difficulty Walking: Severe cases may make it challenging for you to walk impacting your mobility and daily routines. This can cause you to alter your walk pattern and have uneven wear. Over time, these problems can lead to pain in other parts of the body such as your hips, knees and lower back.
– Spread of Infection: Ingrown toenails can lead to infections such as cellulitis and fungal infections. If left untreated, these infections can spread to other parts of the foot and even the bloodstream; this can lead to life threatening conditions like sepsis.
Surgical Solutions for Severe Cases
Treatment options vary based on the severity of the ingrown toenail. For less severe cases, conservative measures like proper nail care and footwear can treat the infection and keep it from worsening. More severe cases can require minor surgeries to remove the ingrown portion of the nail or adjust the growth pattern ones. Your podiatrist will evaluate your condition and advise you on the best course of treatment for your specific ailment. To get the best treatment for you, consult your podiatrist for treatments which may include: nail care, orthotic devices or surgical options.
Regain Your Active Lifestyle with at First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinic
When you visit First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinic, you will receive the finest level of treatment in a supportive and informative environment. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, we specialize in medical and surgical treatments for foot and ankle conditions, including ingrown toenail treatments. Our team is committed to helping you regain your active lifestyle by using the latest cutting-edge techniques for foot treatment. For additional information, go to https://firstcoastfootclinic.com/, or visit us today!