Why Should I Care About My Feet? The first thing to point out is that problems with your feet don’t only affect your feet. If your foot hurts to the extent that you can’t walk, you’ll probably stop being active.
If your big toe swells or feels sore, you may have an ingrown toenail. With this condition, skin grows over the edge of the nail, causing pain, infection, and swelling. Read on for more information from Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists regarding this common condition and how it can be treated – or better yet – prevented.
Preventing Ingrown Toenails
Prevention begins with wearing shoes that fit properly. To ensure a correct fit, the toe of the shoe should provide adequate room so that your toes aren’t overcrowded, which is a common cause of ingrown toenails. When you stand up there should be at least a half inch of space between the tip of the shoe and your longest toe.
We also recommend that patients cut their toenails straight across with clean toenail clippers. Keep feet dry and clean and guard against injury by wearing shoes when necessary.
Seeking Medical Help For An Ingrown Toenail
Left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected and worsen, leading to significant swelling and pain. It can also lead to serious complications, including gangrene and/or a bone infection.
Your ingrown toenail needs professional help from a podiatrist when:
Treatment From Your Podiatrist for Ingrown Toenails
The treatment method your podiatrist chooses is dependent on the severity of the condition, how often they occur, and the reason they develop.
For mild cases, the nail is lifted by placing a wedge of cotton beneath it. This raises the nail above the skin, thereby eliminating the ingrown nail and permitting the skin to heal. Part of the toenail may also have to be removed.
In repeated cases, the side of the nail may need to be removed, including its root. A special medication is applied that destroys the nail root, preventing regrowth and averting future ingrown toenails.
While ingrown toenails may just seem like an annoyance, when left untreated, they can lead to serious medical issues. Don’t let that happen – contact the office of Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists today at (425) 455-0936 to book an appointment or schedule an appointment online so we can discuss your treatment options.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Why Should I Care About My Feet? The first thing to point out is that problems with your feet don’t only affect your feet. If your foot hurts to the extent that you can’t walk, you’ll probably stop being active.
Your feet spend quite a bit of time carrying your body weight and bearing the brunt of everyday life, so it’s not surprising that people feel aches and pains in their ankles and feet at times.
Today we’d like to take some time to recognize that February is American Heart Month. And throughout the month, people are encouraged to raise awareness about heart disease and prevention.
Toenails can be an area of concern for many. Here are answers to some of the more common questions.
Plantar fasciitis pain typically occurs if the stringy band that connects your heel to your toes is damaged. Approximately half of Americans suffer from heel and foot pain, and it is often attributed to plantar fasciitis.
We all know we need to dress warmly and take special care when driving in hazardous conditions. But many people do not stop to consider their winter foot care.