Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown Toenails services offered in Glendale and Astoria, NY

Ingrown toenails can be very painful, and without proper care, they can cause dangerous infections. At New York Podiatry Group in Glendale and Astoria, Queens, the experienced podiatry team helps patients relieve the symptoms of ingrown toenails and avoid serious infections with state-of-the-art techniques aimed at achieving optimal results. To make an appointment at either of their New York City offices, call the team directly or request your next visit online.

Ingrown Toenail Q & A

What causes ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails occur when the toenail begins to press into the delicate skin along the side of the nail bed, resulting in pain, irritation, and inflammation. They're most common among people who wear shoes that are too tight in the toe area or in people with specific foot shapes or thick, curved toenails. When an ingrown toenail isn't promptly and properly treated, it can cause a painful infection that can spread to the rest of the toe, sometimes resulting in a need for amputation.

People with diabetes and other diseases that affect the nerves or the circulatory system are at a greater risk of developing these infections since the healing process may be hindered. This causes nerve issues that can make the pain of an ingrown nail more difficult to notice, allowing the infection to progress.

How can I stop my ingrown toenail pain?

If you get an ingrown toenail, you can take steps to remedy the pain, including:

Soaking your toe in apple cider vinegar 20 minutes a day
Coating your toe in an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment
Not wearing shoes that crowd your toe
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers

You can also mix soap and Epsom salts with warm water and soak your toe for 20 minutes, three times a day.

If your pain persists, call New York Podiatry Group for an appointment.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

Podiatrists treat ingrown toenails by carefully trimming the nail away from the side of the nail bed where it has begun pressing into the skin. In some cases, your podiatrist may need to remove a portion or the entire nail during a simple in-office procedure that can be performed using a local anesthetic to prevent pain.

Can ingrown toenails and the infections they can cause be prevented?

The best way to prevent serious complications from an ingrown toenail is to see a podiatrist at the first sign of tenderness or redness. People with diabetes or other nerve or circulation diseases or disorders should perform regular foot checkups to look for signs of ingrown toenails to avoid dangerous infections and reduce the risk of amputation. It's also important to trim toenails straight across rather than in a curve and to wear shoes that offer plenty of room in the toe area.

If you have an ingrown toenail, call or book your appointment online with New York Podiatry Group today.

Ingrown Toenails