What is an Ingrown Toenail?
Ingrown toenails are caused many times by trimming the toenail too short, mostly on the side of the big toe.
This very common problem can also be quite painful, so to avoid this you need to cut the nail without tapering the corners to that when the nail grows it curves with the shape of the toe. Improper cutting can result in the sides of the nail to dig down in the the skin. Footwear that is either too small or too tight can also cause ingrown toenails.
Ingrown toenails start out hard, swollen and tender, and later, may become sore, red and infected. Your skin may start to grow over the ingrown toenail.
Another way to treat an ingrown toenail is by soaking your foot in warm, soapy water several times a day. The Gentle Foot Care Clinic recommends that you visit our offices in Brandon or in Zephyrhills and let Dr. Manohar determine the best course of treatment for your condition.
If an infection is present, antibiotics can be prescribed. If an acute infection is present, then a surgical procedure called a partial nail plate aversion that will remove the part of the ingrown toenail that is infected. Before the part of the ingrown toenail is cut out, anesthetic is injected into the site for pain reduction.
Ways to prevent ingrown toenails include:
- Avoid tapering the toenail during trimming, which means straight across with the corners unrounded.
- Make sure your shoes and socks are not too tight.
- Clean feet are always a good idea to avoid infections of the toenail.
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Rajnish Manohar
Dr. Manohar has been in private practice as a Podiatrist in Zephyrhills since 2001, treating Foot and Ankle Pain including Diabetic Foot Pain and Neuropathy, as well as, providing routine Diabetic Foot Care.
Dr. Manohar is board certified by the American Board of medical specialties in Podiatric Medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. Dr. Manohar resides in Temple Terrace, Florida.
Dr. Manohar specializes in treating foot and ankle pain, Plantar Fasciitis and Heel spurs, Neuromas, Peripheral Neuropathy, Ingrown toenails, Non healing wounds, corns, calluses, Warts, Cysts, Toenail fungus.
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