Ingrown toenails are one of the most common foot problems that people suffer from. They can be very painful and cause a lot of discomfort when walking or standing. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to infections and other complications. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available to alleviate the pain and discomfort. The Fordham-Rees Podiatry Clinic in Cardiff is a leading provider of ingrown toenail treatment. In this article, we'll discuss the causes, symptoms, complications, and treatment options for ingrown toenails, as well as why you should choose the Fordham-Rees Podiatry Clinic for your treatment needs.
Understanding Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the corner or edge of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding the nail. This can lead to pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area. In severe cases, the toenail can become infected, which can cause pus to drain from the area. Ingrown toenails can occur on any toe, but they are most common on the big toe.
Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails
The symptoms of an ingrown toenail can range from mild to severe. In the early stages, you may notice some discomfort or tenderness around the affected area. As the condition worsens, you may experience sharp pain, swelling, and redness around the toenail. In more severe cases, the area around the nail may become infected, which can cause pus to drain from the area.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails. One of the most common causes is wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow. This can cause the toes to be compressed, which can lead to the nail growing into the surrounding flesh. Other causes include trauma to the toe, such as stubbing it or dropping something on it, cutting the toenail too short or at an angle, and having naturally curved nails.
Complications of Ingrown Toenails
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious complications. One of the most common complications is infection. When the nail pierces the skin, bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection. This can cause redness, swelling, and pus to form around the toenail. Another complication is the development of a skin overgrowth called a granuloma. This can cause additional pain and discomfort and can make it difficult to wear shoes.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available for ingrown toenails. In mild cases, soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently pushing the skin away from the nail can provide relief. However, in more severe cases, medical intervention may be necessary. At the Fordham-Rees Podiatry Clinic in Cardiff, we offer several treatment options for ingrown toenails, including:
Routine Podiatry Treatment
Conservative treatment that the podiatrist will help your ingrown toenail through our routine treatment, this is the first stage of treatment, if this treatment doesn't work then the podiatrist will advice the next opinions, eg, nail surgery.
Partial Nail Avulsion
Partial nail avulsion is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the nail. This is done under local anesthesia to numb the toe, and the procedure takes about 30 minutes. After the procedure, the toe is bandaged, and the patient is given instructions on how to care for the wound.
Total Nail Avulsion
Total nail avulsion is a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire nail. This is typically done in cases where the nail is severely infected, damaged, or if the patient has recurring ingrown toenails. Like partial nail avulsion, the procedure is done under local anesthesia.
Antibiotics
If an ingrown toenail is infected, antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear up the infection. This is typically done in conjunction with other treatments, such as partial or total nail avulsion.
Why Choose Fordham-Rees Podiatry Clinic in Cardiff
At the Fordham-Rees Podiatry Clinic, we specialise in providing high-quality foot care services to our clients. Our team of highly skilled podiatrists has years of experience treating a wide range of foot problems, including ingrown toenails. We use the latest techniques and equipment to provide safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment options for our clients.
Treatment Procedure at Fordham-Rees Podiatry Clinic
The treatment procedure for ingrown toenails at the Fordham-Rees Podiatry Clinic is straightforward and minimally invasive. Before the procedure, the podiatrist will numb the toe with a local anesthetic to ensure that the patient experiences no pain during the procedure. Once the toe is numb, the podiatrist will remove the portion of the nail that is causing the problem. After the nail is removed, the podiatrist will apply a dressing to the toe and give the patient instructions on how to care for the wound.
Recovery and Aftercare Tips
After the procedure, it is essential to follow the podiatrist's instructions for proper wound care. This typically involves keeping the toe clean and dry and changing the dressing regularly. Patients should avoid wearing tight shoes or engaging in activities that put pressure on the toe. Most patients are able to return to normal activities within a few days of the procedure.
Preventing Ingrown Toenails
Preventing ingrown toenails is relatively easy. Some tips for preventing this condition include:
Wear shoes that fit properly and do not compress the toes
Cut toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short
Avoid wearing tight stockings or socks
Keep your feet clean and dry
Avoid injuring your toes
Ingrown toenails can be a painful and frustrating condition, but they are also very treatable. At the Fordham-Rees Podiatry Clinic in Cardiff, we offer safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment options for ingrown toenails. Whether you need partial or total nail avulsion or antibiotics to treat an infection, our team of highly skilled podiatrists is here to help. Don't let ingrown toenails continue to cause you pain and discomfort. Book an appointment with us today and take the first step towards healthy, pain-free feet.
Comments