Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails - they're not easy on the eyes but are usually easy to treat. They are generally easily treatable, but before receiving treatment for them, ingrown toenails can cause significant pain and discomfort. Healthy toes are a key part of healthy feet, which are a key part of a healthy body overall. Dr. Nehal Sheth and Dr. Christine Heck from Chicago Foot Specialist expertly treat ingrown toenails in The Loop, Chicago, IL.

What Are Ingrown Toenails?

This condition involves your toenail digging into the skin that surrounds the nail. Ingrown toenails can affect multiple simultaneously but usually affect only one toe at a time. The sides and corners of your toenail are the affected areas with ingrown toenails.

What Causes Them?

The most common cause of ingrown toenails is ill-fitting shoes. Other causes are:

• Failing to regularly clip your toenails
• Stubbing the toe
• Other trauma to the foot, such as something falling on it
• Tearing of a toenail
• Congenital disabilities and other conditions that cause deformities in the development of the foot
• Born with toenails that grow to be larger sizes than the toe can accommodate.

What Are the Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails?

Pain and discomfort are the main symptoms of ingrown toenails. You may notice a hard and swollen area around the affected area at first. If not promptly addressed, an infection may begin in the area. Other symptoms may be:

• Pus seeping from the area
• Redness of the toe
• Other discoloration of the toe
• Swelling and warmth of the toe

What Are Some Treatments for Ingrown Toenails?

Most of the time, treatment for ingrown toenails in The Loop, Chicago, IL is possible at home if addressed in the early stages. This is only if an infection has not developed. You may need minor surgery for severe cases to remove part of the toenail. But this is rarely the case because when the toenail begins digging into your nailbed, you will feel pain and discomfort and hopefully address it ASAP. At-home treatments recommended include:

• Choosing footwear that is roomy in the toe area
• Soaking your feet in warm water before clipping your toenails
• Cleaning your nail clipper before and after use
• NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen may help with pain and swelling
• If you have co-morbidities such as diabetes that can cause nerve damage, it is wise to inspect your feet daily and notify your podiatrist right away if you notice any changes.
• Visiting a podiatrist when symptoms don't resolve after a few days

Contact Us

Dr. Sheth and Dr. Heck from Chicago Foot Specialist want to get your feet back to maximal health so you can get back to enjoying all the activities you love without feeling limited by pain. Treat your ingrown toenails in The Loop, Chicago, IL by calling our downtown Chicago office at (312) 641-2999, our Lombard location at (630) 495-3338, or our Melrose Park office at (708) 450-5785.