How your podiatrists in Elmira, NY, can help if you have an ingrown toenail
Ingrown toenails aren’t just ugly; they can also be very painful, making it difficult to stand or to walk, or to even put on shoes. Fortunately, your podiatrist offers several effective treatments to help you get relief from an ingrown toenail.
The podiatrists at Thurber & Thurber Podiatric Medicine & Foot Surgery offer a wide range of foot care services, including treatment for ingrown toenails. They have three convenient office locations in Elmira, Horseheads, and Waverly, NY, to help you and your feet.
So, how do you know if you have an ingrown toenail? Your toe may be:
- Swollen and dark purple or red
- Aching and throbbing under your toenail
- Oozing blood or pus from underneath your toenail
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, you can try some simple tips like these:
- Soak your toe in warm water
- Put a piece of dental floss under your toenail to push the nail upward
- Use antibiotic cream on your toe and bandage your toe and toenail
- Switch to sandals to take the pressure off of your toe
- Take over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications
An ingrown toenail may not heal by itself, but don’t worry. Your podiatrist can help. There are several effective treatments including:
- Trimming off the ingrown section of your toenail
- Lifting your toenail out of your skin
- Removing the entire toenail so a new, healthy toenail can grow
It’s important to remember a few simple changes you can make which will help prevent ingrown toenails. Remember to:
- Cut your toenails straight across with no rounded corners
- Don’t cut your toenails too short
- Wear shoes with a wide toe box to give your toes enough room
- Wear appropriate, supportive shoes for whatever activity you are doing
To find out more about ingrown toenail treatment and other foot care services, call the podiatrists at Thurber & Thurber Podiatric Medicine & Foot Surgery. You can reach them in Elmira, NY, at (607) 734-4582, or Horseheads at (607) 739-8318, or at their office in Waverly at (607) 565-8128, so call today!