Do you find it difficult to wear socks and shoes because the nail bed on one or multiple toes is red, painful, and swollen? Does the area appear infected and tender to touch? If so, it sounds like an ingrown toenail might be the culprit. Fortunately, there is a cure, but at-home remedies don't always work for mild and especially severe cases. To achieve an accurate diagnosis, receive treatment, and prevent them from accruing in the future, consult with one of our podiatrists at Thurber & Thurber Podiatry, at one of our three convenient locations in Horseheads, Waverly, or Elmira, NY.
What is an Ingrown Toenail?
When the corner of the toenail grows into the skin instead of straight forward, it becomes ingrown. That produces throbbing pain and is commonly caused by cutting the nails too short, wearing unfit footwear or tight hosiery that digs into the toenails. If one or more develop, it's best to explore treatment options with your podiatrist, and never attempt surgery by cutting the skin with clippers at home. Doing so can damage it, worsen the condition, and potentially cause an infection. For mild cases, sensible footwear and antibiotics might diminish symptoms, but for severe cases, surgery is often beneficial.
Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails
You may struggle with this condition if you have one or more of the following around the toenail:
- Infection of tissue
- Redness or tenderness
- Pain and swelling
Treatment for Ingrown Toenails
After the podiatrist examines your foot during an initial visit to one of our three locations in either Horseheads, Waverly, or Elmira, NY, and addresses your questions and concerns, he'll recommend a minimally-invasive procedure that takes place in the office. These may include removing a small portion of the nail, or the toenail in its entirety. Although the recovery time can take six to twelve weeks for the toenail to heal completely, generally you can continue working or participating in sports during this period. If surgery isn't suitable for the individual, the doctor will explore alternative methods to drain the infection and soothe symptoms.
If ingrown toenail symptoms are apparent, consult with our podiatrist at Thurber & Thurber Podiatry to discuss treatment options for alleviating pain and discomfort. Individuals who have diabetes are at a more elevated risk for developing the condition, so it's necessary to seek medical care immediately. For more information about the conditions we treat and services provided, visit our website. For appointment scheduling with Dr. Thomas or Charles Thurber, Dr. Park, Dr. Kilpatrick, or Dr. Yang, please call (607) 734-4582 for our Elmira, NY, location, (607) 739-8318 for Horseheads, and (607) 565-8128 for our Waverly office.