Find out whether your ingrown toenail requires care from one of our podiatric offices in Zephyrhills, Sun City Center, Riverview, and Wesley Chapel, FL.

Ingrown toenails will happen to most people at some point during their lifetime. From trimming your toenails too close to the skin to direct trauma to the nail, there are many reasons why someone might suffer from this condition. Luckily, if your feet are at a healthy level, you can often ease symptoms with simple at-home care until the issue resolves itself. However, it is also important to know when you should visit our podiatrists in Zephyrhills, Sun City Center, Riverview, and Wesley Chapel, FL, for treatment—read on to learn more!

What are the signs of an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the corner of your toenail grows into the skin. As you might imagine, this can lead to redness, swelling, and discomfort around the affected nail. While ingrown toenails can occur anywhere, they most often affect the big toe.

How can I care for an ingrown toenail?

There are simple measures you can take to ease your symptoms until the nail grows out and the problem goes away. One prominent at-home remedy involves soaking the affected toe several times a day for up to 20 minutes in warm water, which can reduce pain and swelling. After soaking the nail in warm water, you can apply a small piece of cotton under the corner of the nail to help the nail grow away from the skin.

Also, make sure to wear appropriate footwear. Shoes that are too tight or put pressure on the toenails are a no-go. The same rules apply to socks.

When should I see a doctor?

While it is common for an ingrown toenail to cause some discomfort when walking or standing, if the pain is severe, spreads, or if there is pus present, then it’s time to see your foot doctor. Additionally, if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage in your feet, you may also be at an increased risk for developing ingrown toenails. In these cases, it is especially important that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible to prevent the problem from causing more serious complications.

Need relief? Give us a call!

Don’t let ingrown toenails, fungal infections, bunions, or other issues affect the health of your feet—turn to your footcare experts in Zephyrhills, Sun City Center, Riverview, and Wesley Chapel, FL. To reach Zephyrhills, dial (813) 788-3600, for Sun City Center, dial (813) 633-5900, for Riverview, dial (813) 633-5900, and for Wesley Chapel, dial (813) 788-3600.