Are ingrown toenails a frequent problem for you? The podiatrists at Kentucky/Indiana Foot and Ankle Specialists see many patients just like you in their New Albany, IN, and Elizabethtown, Bardstown, Bowling Green, and Louisville, KY, office. Fortunately, it may be possible to lower your risk of ingrown toenails simply by following these suggestions.
Change the way you trim your toenails
Do you round your toenails because the edges tend to snag your socks? Rounding the nails makes it much easier for them to grow into your skin. Cutting the nails straight across offers a simple solution to the problem. If snags are an issue, try filing the nails lightly to eliminate rough edges. Be sure not to file them so much that the edges are no longer square.
Keep it loose
Constant pressure on your nails can drive the edges into your skin. Choose shoes and socks that offer a little wiggle room to reduce your ingrown toenail risk.
Treat toenail fungus
Fungal infections not only turn your toenails yellow, but also cause them to thicken. When the nails are thick, they're more likely to grow into the skin. If over-the-counter fungal treatments aren't helpful, make an appointment with your foot doctor in New Albany, IN, or Elizabethtown, Bardstown, Bowling Green and Louisville, KY.
Take a look at your toes
Check your nails every few days if you're prone to developing ingrown toenails. If the nail has just started to grow into your skin, you may be able to free it yourself. Soak your foot in warm water for 15 or 20 minutes, then gently place dental floss or a small piece of cotton under the nail to free it. Keep floss or cotton under the nail until it grows out. (Replace the floss or cotton every day.)
Don't try to free your ingrown toenail yourself if you have diabetes. Attempting to treat the nail at home may increase your risk of infection. Call your podiatrist instead.
Know when to call the foot doctor
Let your podiatrist know if you can't free your nail yourself, the toe is very painful, or you notice red streaks or pus on the toe.
Do you have a painful ingrown toenail? The foot doctors at Kentucky/Indiana Foot and Ankle Specialists can ease your pain. Schedule an appointment with the Louisville, KY, area podiatrists by calling (502) 968-2233 for Louisville, KY, Outer Loop office, (502) 805-3338 for the Louisville, KY, Dixie Highway office, (270) 737-3338 for the Elizabethtown, KY, office, (502) 331-6307 for the Bardstown, KY, office, (270) 796-6160 for the Bowling Green, KY, office, or (812) 725-7542 for the New Albany, IN, office