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When You Should See A Doctor For The Ingrown Toenail

Not every ingrown toenail is cause for a doctor’s visit but if you detect any signs of an ingrown toenail infection like pain, swelling, irritation, abscess, redness, you should immediately come see us at American Foot & Leg Specialists.

Aside from being very painful and debilitating, ingrown toenails can be serious cause for further foot problems. There is no need to panic – but the infection can spread to the underlying area and may lead to bone infection which is very serious. 

WHEN TO SEE US
So, when do you call us and when can you handle this on your own? If a toenail becomes infected, the toenail may feel warm to touch, and in some cases an abscess may be present which can cause fever symptoms. With any of these, come and see us. We’ll perform toenail removal surgery in office   to relieve the patient of pain and other discomfort.  If you have diabetes or peripheral arterial disease, you need to be more vigilant in coming into our office, otherwise you can have very serious complications.     

WHAT IS TOENAIL REMOVAL SURGERY
There are a few different types of treatments and surgery for ingrown toenails such as inserting a wedge of medicated cotton between your nail and the inflamed skin to relieve the pain and drain the infection. The abscess can also be drained through an incision which is made after giving local anesthesia.  Following the drainage, the surgeon places a sterile gauze to allow drainage for 1-2 days and remove the infection. The surgeon may prescribe antibiotic ointments and tablets to dry the infection and in other cases surgical excision of the ingrown toenail is done to relieve the patient of any pain and complications.  

WHY DO I GET INGROWN TOENAILS IN THE FIRST PLACE?
With the change in the shape of your toenail, the ridges that hold your toe in place can lose their connection. This can cause the toenail to grow into the sides or corners of your skin. This is what is called an “ingrown toenail”. Infection in an ingrown toenail can occur due to improper or tight-fitting shoes, inappropriate trimming of toenails, fungal infection of the nail, injury or trauma around the nail area, heredity etc.

If you have any doubt or question if you should see us for your ingrown toenail, simply call the office and make an appointment. We can handle your discomfort quickly and set you at ease about further foot issues. Contact Our Office Today. We look forward to seeing you!