An ingrown toenail is a painful situation that can lead to more severe complications if you aren't careful. Thankfully, you can get ingrown toenail surgery from a Marlborough, Massachusetts, professional who fully understands this process. Our team at Assabet Family Podiatry, including Dr. Judson Siegel, will work hard to ensure you're protected and safe.
When Will You Need Ingrown Toenail Treatments?
With time, mild ingrown toenails may naturally heal, especially if you wear sandals, avoid putting pressure on the nail, soak it regularly, and keep it clean. Unfortunately, any symptoms of infections or an ingrown toenail that simply won't heal typically require treatment and possibly surgery.
Furthermore, you should visit us at Assabet Family Podiatry right away if you notice swelling, redness, puss, or develop a fever. Anyone with poor circulation, nerve damage in the foot, or diabetes should call Dr. Siegel immediately to schedule an inspection and treatment appointment.
How Does It Work?
Ingrown toenail treatments in Marlborough, Massachusetts, can take multiple forms. For example, a wedge resection includes removing a segment of the nail to keep it from burrowing into your skin.
If this option doesn't work, Dr. Siegel may need to do a toenail removal. It will take up to 18 months for your toenail to grow back, during which you must keep the toe wrapped and protected. Other treatments include reshaping the tissue on the toe and completely removing the nail bed.
That more drastic final treatment is rare and usually only occurs when reshaping the toe doesn't. Typically, your ingrown toenail should naturally restructure itself after surgery, though there is a small risk of some complications affecting your healing process.
Are There Ways to Protect Your Toe After?
After treatments, make sure that you soak your foot in warm water with Epsom salts every day and take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to minimize pain and swelling. You'll need an antibiotic ointment applied directly to the toenail to ensure that it doesn't get infected.
Typically, you'll keep the area bandaged for several weeks until it properly heals. You should also contact your doctor if you notice any complications. These may include toenail deformity, infections, or another ingrown toenail after your treatment. They can help ensure that you get aftercare.
Keeping Your Feet Healthy
If you think you need ingrown toenail surgery in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and aren't sure where to turn, contact us today to learn more. At Assabet Family Podiatry, Dr. Siegel understands the proper techniques needed for this and will ensure that you get the support that you deserve. Please contact us at 508-481-3659 to learn more about your options.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails are common, and can be caused by everything from trauma to genetic factors. One common risk factor is easily controlled for have you ever heard that you should cut your toenails straight across, not at an angle? However nice a rounded edge might look for sandal season, cutting your toenail in this way can encourage your nail to grow into the flesh of your toe.
Symptoms and Treatment
Ingrown toenails are characterized by pain, swelling, redness and a feeling of warmth in the affected toe. If the nail digs into the flesh around the nail and causes the skin to break, bacteria can enter, resulting in an infection. The infection can increase the level of pain in the toe and create additional problems.
As long as an infection has not yet set in, caring for an infected toenail is straightforward. You may take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory for the pain. You can also soak your foot a few times a day, keeping it otherwise nice and dry, and wear comfortable shoes that aren’t too narrow. Of course, if you have a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes, you should see your podiatrist at the first sign of an ingrown toenail. Whatever you do, do not attempt to cut the nail free your own! This can worsen the infection, or create one where there wasn’t one before.
If your ingrown toenail doesn’t improve within a few days, make an appointment with your trusted podiatrist. We may prescribe antibiotics may be prescribed to manage the infection, and outpatient surgery may be necessary to remove the nail.