How your podiatrist in Elgin, and Chicago, IL, can help when you have an ingrown toenail
When you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, putting on shoes can be a painful experience. Standing and walking can be even more difficult. Your podiatrist knows what to do for your ingrown toenail and can help you feel better.
Dr. Supreet Ghuman at Prairie Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive podiatry services, including treatment of ingrown toenails. He has two convenient offices in Elgin, and Chicago, IL, to help you.
When you have an ingrown toenail, you may experience:
- Toe pain, which can be severe
- Pressure around your toenail
- Swelling around your toenail
- Redness around your toenail
- Pus coming out from under your toenail
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, you may be able to get some relief if you:
- Soak your toe in warm water several times daily
- Place a piece of dental floss underneath your toenail to lift it up
- Apply antibiotic cream to the affected area
- Bandage the affected area to protect it
For stubborn, painful ingrown toenails, it’s best to visit your podiatrist for treatment. Your podiatrist may recommend:
- Lifting and separating your toenail from the surrounding skin
- Trimming off the ingrown part of your toenail so your toenail can grow freely
- Removing your entire toenail to promote growth of a healthy new toenail
To prevent ingrown toenails in the future, it’s important to:
- Avoid cutting toenails too short
- Cut toenails straight across, with no rounded corners
- Wear shoes with a wide toe box, so your toes have plenty of room and don’t crush together
- Wear appropriate, protective shoes for the activity you are doing, to prevent toe and toenail injury
You don't have to suffer from a painful ingrown toenail, when relief is just a phone call away. To find out more about the causes and treatment of ingrown toenails, call Dr. Supreet Ghuman at Prairie Foot & Ankle. You can reach him in both the Elgin, IL, and Chicago, IL, offices by calling (224) 227-6973, so call now.