Ingrown toenails can be very painful and, if not treated, can have an impact on your mobility. However, there are many things you can do to ease the pain and prevent ingrown toenails from occurring in the future.
At Foot Solutions, we can help you take care of your feet so that you can lead an active lifestyle. We offer a great selection of footwear that provides your feet with the comfort and protection they need without compromising on style. If you have any pain in your feet or have a condition such as ingrown toenails, our professional team can help you find the solution you need.
Identifying Ingrown Toenails
If you have an ingrown toenail, you are likely to experience the following symptoms:
- Redness and pain
- Swelling
- The toenail curving into the skin of the toe
- Pus coming from the toe
- Feeling hot and shivery along with the above.
The last two symptoms are signs of infection, and you should seek medical help as a matter of urgency if you think you have an ingrown toenail that has become infected.
Treatment for Ingrown Toenails
If you have an ingrown toenail, the good news is that there are several steps you can take to treat it at home. If you think that this may be the reason for your discomfort, you can try the following before seeking medical attention if the area is not infected.
- Soak the foot. Soaking your feet in warm, salty water can help to relax you and condition the skin of the feet, and it is especially helpful if you have an ingrown toenail. Salt in the water will reduce the risk of infection, and the process will help to soften the skin in a gentle way.
- Dry the foot. It’s important to dry your foot carefully, especially in between the toes, and to avoid rubbing or picking at the affected area. Taking good care of your feet will help the ingrown toenail to grow out and ensure that you notice any future issues developing.
- Wear supportive footwear. If you have an ingrown toenail, it’s very important to choose your footwear carefully. You will need to ensure that you have enough space in your shoes for your feet to spread naturally, ideally selecting shoes with a wide toe box that fit you comfortably. Sandals are a good choice if the weather is warm. You should avoid tight shoes or those with a toe box that is pointed or shaped in a way that can crush the toes together, as these can worsen ingrown toenails and cause other serious foot conditions, such as bunions.
- Take pain-relieving medication. An ingrown toenail can be very painful, and pain-relieving over-the-counter medication can help relieve the pain and reduce swelling in the area.
Seeking Help for an Ingrown Toenail
If these steps do not resolve the problem, you will need to seek assistance with your ingrown toenail. There are treatments available to help ease the symptoms you are experiencing, and if you suspect that your toenail is infected, you may need further intervention. If you have diabetes, you should see your foot care team immediately, as foot problems may be more complex for you.
If an ingrown toenail persists, you may require treatments, including antibiotics or having the nail partially or fully removed. This is usually only necessary in extreme cases.
Preventing Ingrown Toenails
Prevention is, as they say, better than cure, and you can protect against ingrown toenails by following simple foot hygiene procedures and checking your feet regularly. You should wash and dry your feet daily, and you can take the opportunity to apply a nourishing moisturising cream and rub this into your feet while looking out for any signs of damage or areas that may need attention.
One of the most important ways to prevent ingrown toenails is to ensure that you cut your toenails straight across rather than cutting them so that they curve at the edges, and you should always avoid cutting them too short. This will help them to stay healthy and reduce the risk of them growing into the skin of the toes.
Take Care of Your Feet at Foot Solutions In Ireland
At Foot Solutions, we can help you take good care of your feet, which is a great way to protect your general health and well-being. Pop in and meet our Foot Wellness Experts to find out more about preventing and treating painful foot conditions and to find footwear that makes your feet feel fantastic. Pop in to your local store or book a free foot assessment online today.
