Ingrown Nails Treatment
Ingrown nails occur when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the skin, causing pain, swelling, and potentially infection. At Axis Foot & Ankle, your trusted foot doctor near you, we offer a comprehensive approach to treating ingrown nails to alleviate symptoms, prevent infection, and promote healing.
Here’s a detailed guide to the treatments we provide:
1. Diagnosis and Evaluation:
- Purpose: Confirm the presence of an ingrown nail and assess its severity.
- Description: Your podiatrist will conduct a physical examination of the affected toe, looking for signs of redness, swelling, tenderness, and drainage. Diagnostic tests such as X-rays may be performed to evaluate the extent of the ingrown nail and rule out underlying bone abnormalities.
2. Conservative Treatments:
a. Soaking and Elevation:
- Purpose: Reduce inflammation and promote drainage.
- Description: Soak the affected foot in warm water and Epsom salts for 15-20 minutes, several times a day. Elevate the foot to reduce swelling and relieve pressure on the ingrown nail.
b. Proper Nail Trimming:
- Purpose: Prevent recurrence and promote healthy nail growth.
- Description: Teach proper nail trimming techniques to prevent cutting nails too short or rounding the edges. Trim nails straight across and file any sharp edges to avoid ingrown nails in the future.
3. Medications:
a. Topical Antibiotics:
- Purpose: Prevent infection and promote healing.
- Description: Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to the affected area after soaking and drying the foot. This helps reduce the risk of bacterial infection in the ingrown nail.
b. Oral Antibiotics:
- Purpose: Treat infection if present or suspected.
- Description: Your podiatrist may prescribe oral antibiotics if there are signs of infection such as increased pain, swelling, redness, or pus drainage from the ingrown nail. Take antibiotics as directed and complete the full course of treatment.
4. Surgical Interventions:
a. Partial Nail Avulsion (Nail Removal):
- Purpose: Treat recurrent or severe ingrown nails.
- Description: In cases where conservative treatments fail or for chronic ingrown nails, your podiatrist may perform a partial nail avulsion procedure. This involves removing the portion of the nail that is ingrown while leaving the rest of the nail intact.
b. Nail Matrixectomy:
- Purpose: Prevent regrowth of the ingrown portion of the nail.
- Description: A nail matrixectomy may be performed to permanently remove the ingrown nail by destroying the nail matrix (the tissue responsible for nail growth). This procedure prevents the affected portion of the nail from regrowing.
5. Patient Education and Prevention:
- Purpose: Empower patients to prevent future ingrown nails.
- Description: Educate on proper foot care practices, including the importance of wearing well-fitting shoes with adequate toe room, practicing proper nail trimming techniques, and avoiding trauma to the toenails. Regularly inspecting nails for early signs of ingrown nails and seeking prompt treatment can prevent complications.
6. Follow-Up Care:
- Purpose: Monitor healing progress and prevent recurrence.
- Description: Schedule follow-up visits as recommended by your podiatrist to evaluate healing, remove any remaining packing or dressings, and monitor for signs of infection or recurrence of ingrown nails. Adjust treatment plans as needed to optimize recovery.
If you are experiencing discomfort or difficulty due to ingrown nails in NJ Monmouth County towns such as Holmdel, Red Bank, or , contact Axis Foot & Ankle for expert evaluation and personalized treatment. Schedule an appointment today to start your journey toward relief and healthier, pain-free nails. We are committed to providing you with effective solutions and supporting your overall foot health.