Ingrown toenails can cause more than just pain and discomfort, they can lead to infections and complications. For seniors, people with diabetes and other pre-existing conditions, ingrown toenails can be a serious issue. This is why it is important to proactively and promptly treat ingrown toenails before there are complications. Culver City Foot Doctor J. Leonard Knudson, DPM offers ingrown toenail treatment at his practice, Associated Foot Care Clinic, Inc.
Get Ingrown Toenails Treated As Soon As Possible
When the edges or corners of toenails start growing into the skin next to them, this is known as ingrown toenails. This happens mostly in big toes. While ingrown toenails can be treated at home, when it is done improperly or in unsanitary or unhygienic ways, complications can occur like wounds and infections.
For those with conditions such as diabetes, there are high risks of complications because when the lower extremities get poor circulation, the body's natural healing process and immune response are impaired.
In these cases, ingrown toenail treatment with the assistance of medical professionals is recommended.
Ingrown toenails can be caused by factors such as:
Cutting toenails incorrectly, particularly angling the sides of the nail which can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
Irregular or curved toenails.
Tight footwear that puts pressure on the big toes.
Toenail injuries, from accidents or athletic activities where the feet receive pressure for long periods of time.
Poor posture.
Improper hygiene including not keeping feet dry or clean.
Signs of ingrown toenail complications include:
Symptoms of ingrown toenails include:
Hardening or swelling of the skin next to the nail.
Pain when there is pressure on the toe.
Fluid buildup around the toe.
When ingrown toenails become infected, they exhibit the following signs:
Redness and swelling of the skin
Pain
Bleeding
Oozing discharges
Overgrowth of the skin surrounding the toe.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment at Culver City
Tending to ingrown toenails begin with a physical exam and possibly X-rays in case of infections or injuries. After the diagnosis, treatment can start. This ranges from antibiotics to surgical procedures such as partial nail removal. During this procedure, the doctor will numb the toe and narrow the toenail. The side of the nail penetrating the skin will be removed.
For severe cases, total nail removal may be required. Local anesthetic will be used and the whole nail will be removed via matrixectomy. Pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed after the procedure and the toenail will grow back in a few months.
All in all, it is crucial to have ingrown toenails checked and treated before complications arise.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. J. Leonard Knudson - a Culver City Foot Doctor for treatment.
Dr. J. Leonard Knudson is a Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Culver City and near West Los Angeles. We also tend to patients from nearby - UCLA, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice, Santa Monica and the West Los Angeles area.
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm