Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, inflammation, and potential infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and can cause discomfort while walking or wearing shoes.
When experiencing persistent pain, redness, swelling, or pus discharge around the affected nail, it is advisable to visit Dr. Daniel Waldman of Blue Ridge Foot Centers. As an experienced podiatrist, Dr. Waldman specializes in treating foot and ankle conditions, including ingrown toenails. Seeking professional care can help alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and receive appropriate treatment for lasting relief.
Treating Your Ingrown Toenails
Caring for an ingrown toenail at home can provide relief and promote healing. Begin by soaking your foot in warm water with a mild antiseptic solution for 15-20 minutes. This soak helps soften the skin and reduce inflammation.
Afterward, gently dry the area and apply an over-the-counter ointment to prevent infection. To alleviate pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever following the instructions on the packaging. Wear comfortable, wide-toed shoes to avoid additional pressure on the affected toe. It's crucial to avoid cutting the nail yourself, as this may worsen the condition.
When self-care isn't sufficient, or the ingrown toenail becomes severe, seeking professional help from Dr. Walden is essential. During the visit, he'll assess the ingrown toenail, considering factors such as redness, swelling, and signs of infection. He'll then apply a local anesthetic to numb the area and carefully trim the ingrown portion of the nail, ensuring precision and minimal discomfort.
In some cases, a partial nail avulsion might be necessary, involving the removal of a section of the nail or the entire nail. Our podiatrist will instruct proper foot care techniques and recommend suitable footwear to prevent future ingrown toenails.
Consult Our Podiatrist
When you spot symptoms like intense pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness around your toenail, it's a clear sign that an ingrown toenail is present. If you're dealing with ingrown toenails in Asheville, NC, kick off your shoes and consult our podiatrist ASAP. When your nail starts digging into your tender skin, causing pain, redness, and maybe even some yucky drainage, it's time to make the call.
Dr. Waldman is the foot fairy godparent who can assess your situation and work their magic. He'll gently examine your troublesome toe, provide soothing relief, and offer expert advice on preventing future nail invaders.
Please explore our website for more information about the conditions we treat and the services provided. If you have questions about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of ingrown toenails in Asheville, NC, and want to discuss them with Dr. Daniel Waldman of Blue Ridge Foot Centers, call (828) 254-5371.