Understanding Ingrown Toenails at Happy Feet Podiatry

At Happy Feet Podiatry, we know that foot health is a key part of your overall well-being. One common issue many of our patients face is an ingrown toenail, which can be more than just a nuisance. It can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

What is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail, typically on the big toe, grows into the soft flesh of the toe. This can cause pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. The condition can be a result of various factors, including improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury, or genetic predisposition.

Symptoms to Watch For

You may have an ingrown toenail if you experience:

– Tenderness or pain along one or both sides of the toenail

– Redness around the toenail

– Swelling of the toe around the nail

– Infection of the tissue around the toenail

 Why Treatment is Crucial

While some ingrown toenails are minor, others can worsen over time, potentially leading to:

– Infection: If the skin breaks, bacteria can enter, leading to infection. Signs include increased pain, pus, and red, swollen skin.

– Complications: For those with diabetes or other conditions that cause poor blood flow to the feet, the risk of complications from an ingrown toenail can be higher, potentially leading to more serious infections.

Recurring Issues: Untreated, some ingrown toenails may repeatedly cause problems, potentially affecting your ability to perform daily activities.

Happy Feet Podiatry’s Approach to Treatment

Our goal is to treat your ingrown toenail quickly and effectively, relieving your pain and preventing complications. Treatment options vary from conservative to surgical, depending on the severity of the toenail condition.

Conservative Treatments:

– Soaks: Warm water soaks to reduce swelling and tenderness.

– Proper Trimming: We will trim any offending nail and reshape your nail aiming to prevent reoccurrence. We will instruct you on proper toenail trimming to prevent recurrence.

– Footwear Advice: Recommendations on appropriate shoes that do not crowd the toes.

Surgical Treatments:

If conservative methods are insufficient, our podiatrists may recommend a procedure such as a Partial Nail Avulsion, where part of the nail is removed to prevent it from growing into the skin.

Our Commitment to You

At Happy Feet Podiatry, we are dedicated to providing:

– Expert Care: Our team of university-trained podiatrists is skilled in the latest treatments for ingrown toenails.

– Comprehensive Service: From diagnosis to treatment and follow-up, we ensure a continuum of care.

– Patient Education: We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge about their foot health and preventative practices.

If you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, don’t wait for complications to develop. Reach out to us at Happy Feet Podiatry, where we provide personalised care tailored to your specific needs.