Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention Tips

Ingrown toenails can be a painful and bothersome condition that affects many individuals. Understanding the causes, treatment options, and prevention tips is essential for managing this common foot ailment effectively and efficiently. When you understand what could be causing your ingrown toenails, you can take the necessary steps to avoid future complications. Dr. James Hurst at Centreville Foot & Ankle & Sports Medicine in Centreville, VA, can explain ingrown toenails and how they can be dealt with. 

Understanding Ingrown Toenails 

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, which can lead to pain, redness, and swelling. Several factors can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails, including: 

• Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges 
• Wearing ill-fitting footwear 
• Injury or trauma 
• Genetics 

Treatment from your podiatrist in Centreville, VA, for ingrown toenails depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may respond to home remedies, while more severe cases may require professional intervention. Some common treatment options include: 

• Soaking the foot in warm, soapy water 
• Placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the edge of the nail to lift it 
• Antibiotics for any infections 
• Surgery to remove part of the nail 
• Surgery to remove the entire nail 

When you’re proactive about caring for your feet, you can avoid complications in the future. It’s important to take steps to lessen your risk of ingrown toenails. This can include: 

• Trimming the nails straight across 
• Wearing shoes that provide ample room for toes 
• Using protective footwear 
• Performing proper foot hygiene 

Contact Our Podiatrist Today 

Find out how you can deal with ingrown toenails. Contact Dr. Hurst at Centreville Foot & Ankle & Sports Medicine in Centreville, VA, to learn more about ingrown toenails. Call for more information and to schedule your appointment today at (703) 830-3338.