Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention Tips

Toenail problems can become painful when they get out of control. Luckily, if you are dealing with ingrown toenails in Bronxville, NY, a visit to. Dr. Sanford Clay Proner will help. He also serves the Dobbs Ferry, NY area. Whether you need help with proper toenail cutting or dealing with an infection, his professional expertise can help you handle the issue and prevent it from happening again.

Causes

 An ingrown toenail can happen for many reasons. You may develop one because of the type of shoes you wear. Constrictive shoes, particularly those too tight around your toes, can create pressure and cause your toenails to grow awkwardly. If you experience trauma to your toes, it can make the toenail bang into the skin. When you have conditions such as flat feet or high arches, it can also affect your foot alignment and put pressure on certain toes. Be mindful of how you clip your toenails, as cutting too short or in a round shape, can cause improper growth.

Treatment

 When you seek care for ingrown toenails in Bronxville, NY, or Dobbs Ferry, NY, Dr. Proner will check the condition of the toe to see what the best method of treatment is. One typical recommendation is soaking your foot in Epsom salt. Epsom salt is great for alleviating pain and swelling associated with this condition. The doctor may properly clip the affected toe and monitor the progress. If your condition worsens, partial or full removal of the affected nail may also be necessary. After total toenail removal is required, it will eventually grow back, and you will have a better understanding of preventing an ingrown toenail from happening again.

Prevention

 Preventing this issue can start with something as simple as changing the type of shoes you wear. If you work in an area where your feet may be prone to stubbing or trauma, always have protective footwear, such as steel-toe shoes. Shoes should be wide enough for all your toes to have proper breathing room. Keep your toenails trimmed regularly, and do so in a straight cut, not a curved one.

Dr. Proner can help you find relief for ingrown toenails in Bronxville, NY, and Dobbs Ferry, NY. This toenail issue can cause you a great deal of pain and inflammation. However, with timely intervention, your podiatrist can help you ease this pain and prevent it from occurring again. For toenail issues and related concerns, contact Dr. Proner in Bronxville, NY, at (914) 237-7300, and Dobbs Ferry, NY, at (914) 693-0006.