Explore treatment options for ingrown toenails, from home remedies to professional care. Visit urgent care near you for prompt treatment – walk-ins welcome, 7 days a week.
Hickory, NC offers a variety of outdoor activities, from group runs with the Hickory Running Club to hikes at nearby spots like Bakers Mountain Park and Riverbend Park. However, with frequent running or hiking, the pressure on your feet can sometimes lead to issues like ingrown toenails. Left untreated, these can become painful and even infected, especially with the repetitive strain that comes from outdoor activities.
When an ingrown toenail starts causing discomfort, many people try to ignore it, hoping it will go away on its own. Unfortunately, an untreated ingrown toenail can get worse and even lead to infection. Luckily, there are several treatment options available depending on the severity of the problem.
Home Remedies for Mild Ingrown Toenails
If you catch an ingrown toenail early, you might be able to treat it at home. Here are a few steps you can try:
- Soak Your Foot
Soaking your foot in warm water can help reduce swelling and soften the skin around the toenail. You can add Epsom salts to the water for extra relief. Soak your foot for 15-20 minutes, two or three times a day. This makes the area less painful and allows the nail to grow more easily out of the skin.
- Lift the Nail
After soaking, you can try gently lifting the edge of the toenail using a cotton ball or piece of dental floss. Insert it under the nail to keep it elevated and help it grow out above the skin rather than into it. Be sure to replace the cotton or floss regularly, especially after each soak.
- Apply an Antibiotic Ointment
Applying over-the-counter antibiotic cream can help prevent infection in the area where the nail has broken the skin. After applying, keep the area covered with a bandage to reduce irritation and further injury.
- Wear Loose Shoes
Tight shoes will only make the situation worse by adding pressure to the already inflamed area. Opt for open-toed sandals or shoes with plenty of room in the toe box to prevent further irritation.
If you follow these steps, the ingrown toenail should gradually improve. However, if the pain worsens or signs of infection appear (such as increased redness, swelling, or pus), it’s time to visit us for proper medical treatment.
When Do You Need Treatment from AFC Hickory?
For more severe ingrown toenails or those that have become infected, a visit to our urgent care or even a podiatrist is necessary. Here are some of the treatment options we recommend:
Partial Nail Removal
In cases where the toenail is more deeply embedded or causing significant pain, we may suggest a procedure called a wedge resection. During this procedure, a provider will numb your toe and then remove a sliver of the toenail to prevent it from growing into the skin. This gives the toe a chance to heal and reduces the risk of future problems.
Is partial nail removal painful?
The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the removal. Afterward, you might experience some discomfort, but it’s usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Our team will give you specific instructions for caring for your toe as it heals.
Total Nail Removal
In rare cases, if the ingrown toenail keeps returning or becomes severely infected, we might recommend visiting a podiatrist to remove the entire toenail. This is usually only done as a last resort and involves removing both the nail and the nail bed to prevent the nail from growing back.
What happens after the nail is removed?
After the nail is removed, the area will need time to heal. We will give you aftercare instructions, such as soaking your foot, keeping the area clean, and applying any necessary medications. In some cases, the toenail may grow back, but it could take several months for that to happen.
How Are Infections Treated?
If your ingrown toenail has become infected, we will likely prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. This can come in the form of an oral antibiotic or a topical ointment. It’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if the infection seems to improve quickly.
In some cases, if the infection is severe or if you have a condition that affects healing (like diabetes), we may recommend more aggressive treatment, such as removing part of the nail through a wedge resection that can be done at our clinic. We may refer you to a podiatrist if we believe removing the entire toenail is the best course of action to stop the infection from spreading.
Can You Prevent Recurring Ingrown Toenails?
After undergoing treatment for an ingrown toenail, the last thing you want is for it to come back. To help prevent future occurrences, follow these tips:
- Trim Your Nails Properly: Always cut your nails straight across and avoid trimming them too short.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Make sure your shoes have plenty of room in the toe box to avoid pressure on the toenails.
- Keep Feet Clean and Dry: Proper foot hygiene can help prevent infections and other foot issues.
- Monitor Any Foot Problems: If you notice any early signs of an ingrown toenail, address it before it becomes more serious.
In severe or recurring cases, our team at AFC Hickory may suggest a more permanent solution, such as removing the nail or applying a chemical to prevent it from growing back. Visit our clinic today for your ingrown toenail needs.
