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Safe and Effective Treatment for Ingrown Nails in St. Catharines
Ingrown nails usually affect the big toe and occur first as a minor inconvenience that can become a major issue if left untreated. If you feel pain and notice swelling and redness on and around your toe, it is most likely an ingrown toenail. Orvitz Podiatry Clinic in St. Catharines offers safe, effective, and completely customizable diagnostics and treatments for ingrown nails. Our experienced podiatrist, Stevan Orvitz, D.P.M., provides a range of foot care treatments and services to help you eliminate all your foot problems.
Please arrange an appointment at our foot clinic whenever is most convenient.
What Is an Ingrown Nail?
Nails and toenails normally grow straight out. When one or both corners or sides of your nail curve and grow into the soft flesh of your groove, causing pain, irritation, swelling, and redness, it is most likely an ingrown nail. It is one of the most common foot problems. While it often affects the big toe, it can also affect others.
Trimming the sides of your toenails very short could set the stage for an ingrown nail. This technique can encourage your toenail to grow into the skin of your toe. Wearing tight shoes, toe trauma, and congenital reasons can also cause this condition.
If you’re feeling discomfort in your foot or toes, contact us for quick and efficient diagnostics for ingrown nails and effective treatments in St. Catharines.
How Can Ingrown Nails Be Treated?
Ingrown toenails are best treated as soon as the symptoms are noticed. When we diagnose an ingrown nail early and before infection, we will advise the following non-surgical steps that you can do at home to prevent further treatment and possible surgery:
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Soak your feet in warm water and salts 1-2 times daily and keep them dry for the rest of the day.
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Wear comfortable and well-fitting shoes that have enough room for your toes.
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Some ibuprofens or acetaminophen for relief in case your pain is severe.
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Use an antibiotic cream and bandages.
If there is no improvement within 2-3 days, or if your condition worsens, we may consider a slightly more invasive approach to treatment, which could limit your mobility for 2-3 weeks. Consult our team to learn more about the treatment.
Ingrown Nail Surgery
If excessive inflammation, swelling, pain, and discharge are present, it generally indicates an infection and will need minor surgery and oral antibiotics. Depending on your condition, your nail or a part of it may need to be surgically removed along with a portion of the underlying nail bed, some of the adjacent soft tissues, and even a part of the growth center. Surgery will eliminate the ingrown nail edge. Severe cases may require permanent removal of the affected border.
When Does an Ingrown Nail Require Medical Treatment?
Not every ingrown nail necessitates a visit to the doctor. However, in certain scenarios, it's essential to seek medical attention:
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Persistent pain: If the pain from the ingrown toenail isn’t alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers or home remedies.
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Signs of infection: Symptoms include increased redness, swelling, pus, and sometimes even a foul odour.
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Recurring issue: If you're consistently getting ingrown toenails, it might be a structural issue that requires professional intervention.
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Underlying health concerns: For individuals with diabetes, poor circulation, or other medical conditions affecting the feet, even a minor ingrown toenail can lead to serious complications.
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Inability to trim the nail: If it has grown deeply within the skin, you can't trim it yourself without causing further injury.
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Lack of improvement: If you've tried home remedies for a few days and see no improvement or if the condition worsens.
Preventing Ingrown Toenails
While ingrown nails can be painful and annoying, there are several measures you can adopt to prevent them:
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Proper trimming: Cut toenails straight across. Don't curve the nails or cut them too short. Using sharp nail scissors or clippers can help achieve a clean cut.
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Protect your feet: If you're involved in activities where your toes might get injured, like soccer, consider protective footwear.
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Regular foot hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry, reducing the risk of bacterial infections.
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Avoid picking or tearing nails: Tearing off toenails instead of properly trimming them can lead to irregular growth.
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Keep toenails at a safe length: Not too short nor too long. Keeping the nail even with the tip of your toe is optimal.
Prevention is always better than cure. However, if you still face issues after properly caring for your nails, visit our foot care clinic. Our methods provide lasting relief and timely recovery from diverse foot issues.
Comprehensive Foot Care at Orvitz Podiatry Clinic
When you feel any discomfort in your foot, you can count on Orvitz Podiatry Clinic to give you a proper diagnosis, confirm the severity of your condition and advise suitable treatments. With more than 35 years of experience providing foot care services, products, and personalized solutions for all kinds of issues, our podiatrists in St. Catharines can relieve and cure all your foot pains. Browse our FAQs and call us to book your appointment at our foot clinic now!