Know when to visit urgent care near you for ingrown toenails and what to expect during your visit. We offer walk-in services 7 days a week, no appointment needed.

Arden, NC offers fantastic opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, from scenic runs with the South Asheville Running Group (SARG) to hikes through Bent Creek Experimental Forest and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. However, with all the footwork involved in activities like these, it’s important to watch out for potential foot issues like ingrown toenails. The repetitive pressure and strain on your feet from running and hiking can lead to ingrown toenails, which, if left untreated, can become painful and even infected.

Ingrown toenails can be uncomfortable but knowing when to seek medical help is crucial for preventing more serious issues. While some ingrown toenails can be managed with home remedies, others may require professional treatment to avoid complications.

Visit AFC South Asheville today.

Signs You Should Visit AFC South Asheville

Severe Pain

If you’re experiencing intense pain that doesn’t improve with home treatment, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider. Severe pain can be a sign that the ingrown toenail is significantly affecting the surrounding skin or causing an infection.

Signs of Infection

If the area around your ingrown toenail shows signs of infection, such as:

• Increased Redness: Redness that spreads or intensifies can indicate an infection.
• Swelling: Swelling that worsens or doesn’t subside with home care is a concern.
• Pus or Discharge: Pus, a yellow or white fluid, indicates that an infection may be present.
• Warmth: Warmth around the toe suggests inflammation or infection.
• Foul Odor: An unpleasant smell is another sign of infection.

Seeking professional urgent care treatment is essential to address these symptoms and prevent the infection from spreading.

Persistent or Worsening Symptoms

If you’ve been treating an ingrown toenail at home but notice that symptoms persist or get worse, seek medical help. This could indicate that the problem is more severe than initially thought or that an infection is developing.

Underlying Health Conditions

Individuals with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or poor circulation, should be particularly cautious with ingrown toenails. These conditions can complicate healing and increase the risk of serious infections. If you have a health condition that affects your feet, consult our team of medical professionals at the first sign of an ingrown toenail.

Difficulty with Daily Activities

If the pain or discomfort from your ingrown toenail is interfering with your daily activities or quality of life, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice. Persistent discomfort that affects your ability to walk, exercise, or perform routine tasks needs professional evaluation.

What to Expect During Your Visit to AFC South Asheville

When you see one of our providers for an ingrown toenail, they will likely:

Examine the Toe

Our providers will examine your toe to assess the severity of the ingrown toenail and determine if there are any signs of infection.

Discuss Treatment Options

Based on our findings from examining the toenail as well as evaluating your complete medical history, we will discuss treatment options with you. This might include:

• Antibiotics: If there is an infection, we will prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the infection and reduce inflammation.
• Wedge Resection: For more severe cases, we will perform a minor non-surgical procedure to remove part of the nail.
• Referral to a Podiatrist: If the ingrown toenail is too severe, it may be necessary for us to refer you to a local podiatrist who may take other surgical measures to remove the entire nail.

Aftercare Instructions

We will provide you with specific instructions for caring for your toe after treatment. This may include soaking the foot, applying ointments, or wearing protective footwear.

Knowing when to seek medical help for an ingrown toenail is crucial to prevent complications and ensure proper healing. If you experience severe pain, signs of infection, persistent symptoms, or have an underlying health condition, it’s important to consult with us at AFC South Asheville. Early intervention can help manage the condition effectively and prevent it from becoming a more serious problem.