According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), ingrown toenails are one of the most common foot problems, affecting millions of people each year. And while they may seem like a minor nuisance, neglecting them is a bad idea. When ingrown nails are neglected or mishandled, they can quickly escalate into more serious problems.

Wayne Foot & Ankle Center is here with expert guidance! There’s no foot and ankle problem we don’t want to help with, so for this post, we’ll explain how you can sidestep complications and prevent minor toenail troubles from becoming serious aches and pains.

The Domino Effect

If you neglect an ingrown toenail, it could lead to:

• Infection: The area around the ingrown toenail can become infected, leading to increased pain, swelling, and even pus drainage.
• Cellulitis: In severe cases, the infection can spread to the surrounding skin and tissues, causing cellulitis, a serious bacterial infection.
• Diabetic Foot Ulcers: For people with diabetes, a non-healing ingrown toenail can develop into a foot ulcer, which may be slow to heal and increase the risk of amputation.
• Fungal Infections: Ingrown toenails create a warm, moist environment that’s ideal for fungal growth, leading to conditions like athlete’s foot or fungal nail infections.

Preventing and treating ingrown toenails means avoiding some actions while taking others. Check out the “Do’s and Don’ts” below for more specific info.

Do:

• Trim your toenails straight across, avoiding rounded edges or cutting them too short.
• Wear shoes that fit properly and provide ample space for your toes.
• Keep your feet clean and dry.
• Soak your feet in warm water to reduce inflammation and soften the skin.
• Gently push back the skin away from the nail edge with a cotton swab.

Don’t:

• Attempt to “dig out” the ingrown toenail yourself, as this can worsen the condition and increase the risk of infection.
• Ignore the problem, hoping it will go away on its own.
• Use home remedies without consulting a podiatrist.

Seeking Professional Help

If your ingrown toenail is severe, recurring, or shows signs of infection, it’s crucial to seek professional help from a podiatrist. At Wayne Foot & Ankle Center, we can safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail and provide guidance on preventing future issues, too.

Dr. Lindsey Calligaro at Wayne Foot & Ankle Center is happy to help! Our team has the tools, techniques, and proven expertise to treat your feet. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!