Ingrown Toenails in Parker, Colorado
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Contact UsWhat Are Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails may seem like a relatively benign medical condition, but aside from the pain and redness they can cause, many people who delay treatment for ingrown toenails go on to develop severe infections that can spread to other areas of the foot. People with circulation problems, compromised immune systems, and diabetes are at increased risk for these infections, but they can affect anyone. Kevin Blue, DPM, FACFAS, Ryan Muchowski, DPM, and the team of foot specialists at Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine in Parker, Colorado, have extensive experience performing ingrown toenail treatments, relieving painful symptoms in patients, and taking steps to prevent their recurrence.
What Are the Causes of Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails are a common and painful condition that occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin. Improper trimming of the toenails is a frequent cause, such as cutting them too short or rounding the edges, which encourages the nail to grow into the skin. Tight-fitting shoes or socks can also contribute to ingrown toenails by compressing the toes and exerting pressure on the nail and surrounding tissue. Furthermore, trauma to the toe, such as stubbing it or dropping something heavy on it, can lead to ingrown toenails. Understanding these causes can help individuals take preventive measures and seek appropriate treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.
What Are Symptom of Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails can cause discomfort and pain, and their symptoms often include redness, swelling, and tenderness around the affected toenail. Individuals with ingrown toenails may experience pain when pressure is applied to the toe or when wearing shoes. As the condition progresses, it can lead to an infection characterized by drainage of pus and increased redness. Ingrown toenails can also cause the surrounding skin to become inflamed, making it sensitive to touch. In severe cases, individuals may notice an overgrowth of tissue around the ingrown nail, known as granulation tissue. Proper care and, if necessary, professional intervention by professionals like those at Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine are essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications associated with ingrown toenails.
How Are Ingrown Toenails Treated?
Ingrown toenails can be caused by your choice of footwear or how you trim your nails and could be a serious problem for those with circulation issues or other conditions, like diabetes. It is essential to seek treatment for ingrown toenails before they become infected. If infection sets in, it can travel throughout the body, leading to more severe complications. Some ways that Dr. Blue, Dr. Muchowski, and Dr. Farrett can help treat ingrown toenails and safeguard your health include:
- Lifting the nail gently to allow the nail to grow above the skin
- Carefully remove the ingrown portion of the toenail
- Remove the entire nail, if needed
If your nail requires removal, a local anesthetic will be used to numb your toe. The procedure usually takes less than ten minutes to complete. A special solution may be applied to keep the nail from growing back into the skin.
What Can I Expect After Ingrown Toenail Treatment?
After ingrown toenail treatment, patients typically experience immediate relief from pain and discomfort. It's common to have some tenderness and swelling in the treated area as it heals, but these symptoms usually subside within a few days. Proper aftercare, such as keeping the foot elevated and following your healthcare provider's instructions, is crucial for a swift and smooth recovery.
Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine Reviews
I got in quickly, started treatment, will have a followup. Easy ability to contact for information. My visit initiated with the doctor. In-office x-rays, specialization. All around foot care.
Everyone was great,Very professional. I was totally impressed with the DR.
Really great staff and doctors that were super helpful!
I’ve never had a good experience with a doctor in my life. Dr.Muchowski was quick, efficient, and honest. Every doctor and practice should strive to be this way. Can’t recommend enough.
I had a very positive experience on my visit to Dr M. The office staff was efficient and friendly. I was examined, diagnosed and treated very effectively by Dr. M and was on my way in no time. I would highly recommend this office.
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Heal Your Nails
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from an ingrown toenail, Dr. Kevin Blue, Dr. Ryan Muchowski, and Dr. William Farrett are here to help. At Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine, we can diagnose and treat your ingrown toenail to ensure optimal health. Do not wait until your toenail becomes infected and puts your health at risk – contact our Parker, Colorado office today for an appointment.
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About UsIngrown Toenails FAQs
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a nail that’s begun to grow into the soft tissue at the edge of the nail bed. Ingrown toenails can cause considerable pain as they grow, as well as swelling and redness in the tissue around your nail. Symptoms are worse when pressure is placed on the toe.
Without treatment, your nail can push through the skin, exposing the area to an infection, which can eventually spread to the rest of your toe and even into your foot. The risk of infection is especially high among people with diabetes and other issues that affect:
• Circulation
• The nervous system
• The healing process
Ingrown toenails can occur on any toe, but they almost exclusively form on the big toe, usually as a result of pressure from ill-fitting shoes. Trimming nails improperly can also increase the risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Why do ingrown toenails occur?
Ingrown toenails can form as a result of injury to the toe or foot, but most commonly, they occur for two reasons:
• Shoe choice
• Nail-trimming technique
Shoes that are too narrow or tight in the toes, shoes that are too small lengthwise, and long-term use of high heels that force the toes downward into the toe portion of the shoe are all likely to cause ingrown toenails as your nails are pressed more closely into the surrounding skin. Nails that are trimmed in a curved shape and nails that are trimmed very short also are more likely to become ingrown compared to toenails that are trimmed straight across.
If you have nails that are very curved or thick, you’re also more likely to suffer from ingrown toenails.
How are ingrown toenails treated?
Some mildly ingrown nails can be treated by gently lifting the edge of the nail and inserting a piece of sterile gauze to encourage the nail to grow above the skin and to enable the injured area to heal. More often, your provider will need to remove the ingrown portion of your toenail, and if infection is present, possibly the entire nail.
Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine performs nail removal using a local anesthetic to completely numb your toe. Procedures typically take less than 10 minutes and usually require no stitches or cumbersome bandages. In fact, you’ll probably be able to wear your regular shoes while the area heals. After the nail is removed, your provider may apply a special solution to prevent the nail from growing back into the skin.