Ingrown toenails can be a nuisance. The pain can cause you to miss out on a lot as you try and nurse your aching foot. Chronic ingrown toenails can add to the frustration. With the help of dedicated professionals, you can be on your way to finally end ingrown toenails.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails are no fun, and it can be infuriating when they return. This problem raises the question of what causes ingrown toenails.
Many factors contribute to developing ingrown toenails. A common reason is improper cutting techniques that round off the toenail.
Also, cutting the toenail too short can create ingrown toenails. When this happens, skin grows over the corners of the nail. If skin covers the corners of the cut nail, it regrows inside of soft skin, creating an ingrown toenail.
Other causes of ingrown toenails include:
- Poorly fitting shoes
- Repeated foot injuries
- Poor foot hygiene
- Genetics
Can Ingrown Toenails Heal Themselves?
It might be tempting to wait a while and hope an Ingrown toenail goes away, but taking action is critical for healing.
When caught early enough, many ingrown toenails can be treated at home and eventually heal. Soaking your feet in warm water several times a day can help relieve the discomfort you feel.
Next, place waxed dental floss under the ingrown area. The floss helps to encourage the nail to grow back in its proper place.
Also, take over-the-counter pain medications to help with any discomfort you feel.
These methods and managing pain can help with mild ingrown toenail cases.
When to See A Doctor
Conservative methods of treatment may help for a while. But sometimes, a more aggressive approach is needed to treat more severe cases. Discoloration around the area, infection, or intense pain can mean trouble, and it’s time to seek an expert.
If you experience worsening symptoms, Foot and Ankle Clinics of Utah can help you handle nail problems and help restore your quality of life.
If you want to learn about our treatment options, schedule a consultation with any of our 4 locations.
Call us today at 888-467-1926 (American Fork), 888-462-0422 (Payson, Orem), or 888-464-7317 (Springville).
